The Univeristy of Melbourne The Royal Melbourne Hopspital

A joint venture between The University of Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne Hospital

Dr Martin Elhay


I have 7 years’ postdoctoral experience as an academic in human and animal health research (University of Melbourne, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Statens Serum Institute, Denmark) followed by over 15 years’ experience in industry (CSL Ltd, Pfizer Inc.). I have a track record of global and regional product and technology team leadership, new product development and commercializing pharmaceuticals and vaccines.

I am currently Business Development Director for the Doherty Institute providing support to our researchers from University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health to achieve impact from their capabilities and intellectual property. I provide innovation and commercial advice regarding research projects, programs and opportunities. I also directly engage with industry and government on behalf of the University. I am happy to discuss developmental opportunities with early and mid-career researchers.

  • Key Achievements
      • Co-inventor of a vaccine for prevention of Hendra virus infection of horses (Elhay MJ and Broder C: Hendra and Nipah virus G glycoprotein immunogenic compositions, US Patent No. 61/485,992). Equivac™ HeV was launched in 2012.  
      • As part of the Pfizer Hendra team received the National Australia Bank 2012 Agribusiness award for Excellence in Innovation.
      • Commercialisation of a new vaccine, Canvac™CCi, for control of infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) in dogs (launched 2006).
      • Commercialisation of the world’s first vaccine, Equity™, for immunocontraception of horses and the first commercial vaccine using Iscomatrix® adjuvant (2002, Aust Vet J. 2007 Jan-Feb;85(1-2):39-45).
      • Demonstration of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific diagnosis with peptides in an animal model (Infection and Immunity. 66:3454-3456. 1998).

Full University of Melbourne profile