Biota to boost Melbourne facilities

Biota (ASX:BTA) plans to expand its Melbourne facilities, in collaboration with the Victorian government.

The anti-infective drug development company plans to complete the expansion by 2014, to enable it to fulfil the US$231 million ($218.1 million) contract it won last year.

This deal, with the US Office of Biomedical Advanced Research & Development Authority (BARDA) tasks Biota with establishing US manufacturing and work towards FDA approval for its laninamivir influenza antiviral.

Laninamivir is single dose, long-acting neuraminidase inhibitor. The product is already marketed in Japan under the brand name Inavir.

Victoria's Minister for Technology, Gordon Rich-Phillips revealed that the government will support Biota in its efforts to expand the facility.

Rich-Phillips said the expansion will result in the creation of 35 new specialist jobs. Biota currently employs 85 people in Victoria, and also has a presence in the UK.

Biota shares closed Tuesday's trading 0.56% lower at $0.895.