Australian vaccine manufacturer CSL is currently in talks with the Federal Government about producing the University of Oxford’s promising coronavirus vaccine at its Melbourne plant.

The company, which has already partnered with the University of Queensland to help bring its protein subunit vaccine to market, now says it’s exploring whether it could simultaneously make both vaccines for domestic use.

This follows confirmation from Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt that the government is close to striking a deal to secure access to a COVID-19 vaccine for Australians, with expectations immunisation could begin next year.

“We have signed two non-disclosure agreements, which are effectively pre-contractual agreements indicating that we’re in highly advanced discussions with vaccine manufacturers,” he told reporters on Sunday, without naming any companies.