March 2023 as a joint venture between the NSW Government and five founding university member established RNA Australia as an initiative to support the RNA Research and a Pilot Manufacturing Facility with the aim to “stimulate the broader NSW RNA ecosystem. RNA Australia will connect industries with university researchers, identify priority research areas and support the commercialisation of RNA R&D.” [1, 2]
A first-of-its-kind $96 Million RNA facility including RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility is to be constructed at Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District at Macquarie University campus – with the aim of being a global leader.
- On February 21, 2023 it was announced that the factory design, build and operations will be led by Myeloid Therapeutics, a clinical-stage mRNA-immunotherapy company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, specialising in cancer. [3]
- November 2, 2023 – RNA Australia released Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility designs and artist impression
- May 8, 2024 – NSW announces RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility moves closer to construction with the appointment of the main works contractor Hindmarsh Construction
The NSW Government’s $96 million investment for the development of an RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility was first announced in October 2021.
The NSW Government aims to “accelerate the translation of local RNA research into new products, services and jobs through a $119 million RNA R&D Initiatives package over 10 years”
“The COVID pandemic has demonstrated to the world that it is critically important that we have the capability to develop vaccines quickly and for our country to have sovereign capability.
The advent of mRNA vaccines and the crucial role they’ve played in getting NSW back on the road to a pandemic recovery is just the beginning of what this incredible emerging medical technology can do
There is no better state than NSW to grow Australia’s emerging RNA industry into a global player.”
Premier Dominic Perrottet