New South Wales is set to become a global leader in RNA Research and Manufacturing with the Minns Labor Government opening a new $96 million facility today within the Macquarie University Innovation Precinct.
Construction of the RNA Facility has been completed on time marking a new era in the state's ability to translate, develop and manufacture life-saving RNA therapeutics.
This RNA Facility will place NSW in a strong position in the fight against current and emerging diseases by bolstering domestic RNA manufacturing capability, attracting investment, creating local jobs and fostering collaboration between universities, research institutes and industry.
The COVID‑19 pandemic underscored the urgent need for Australia to have local capability to rapidly develop and manufacture vaccines and therapeutics. With global supply chains stretched and international supply limited, the new RNA Facility ensures NSW is better prepared for future pandemics by enabling the fast production of RNA vaccines and treatments when they are needed most.
Located within the Macquarie University Innovation Precinct, the RNA Facility includes advanced laboratories and support spaces that will make it the only site in Australia capable of producing a wide range of new and existing RNA therapeutics under one roof. Industry partner and operator Aurora Biosynthetics will now engage with researchers and clients who aim to advance their therapeutic innovations from the laboratory towards clinical trials.
In addition to vaccines, the applications of RNA technology are diverse, ranging from treatments for cancers and rare genetic diseases to pest‑control solutions for agricultural use.
The NSW Government plans to provide an additional $119 million over 10 years in support of RNA R&D projects at the RNA Facility, and in July last year, launched the $17.6 million NSW RNA Research and Training Network along with the $6 million RNA Pipeline Grants Program.
The project was delivered by Health Infrastructure in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer. RNA Australia led by Chair Kate Pounder and Chief Executive Officer Paul McDonald will provide ongoing engagement with the Australian academic community along with Aurora Biosynthesis. Ownership of the Facility will now transfer to Property & Development NSW.
Minister for Health and Regional Health Ryan Park said:
"This a major step forward for the future of healthcare in NSW and an opportunity for us to develop and deploy new advanced health therapies.
"This facility is an exciting new link between NSW's world-class RNA researchers, our outstanding clinical trials capability and the health system."
Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:
"The opening of this facility is a major milestone for NSW and a proud moment for our innovation sector. It gives our researchers, clinicians and industry partners a place where ideas can move rapidly from the lab bench to real‑world solutions that improve lives.
"We all saw during COVID‑19 how quickly global conditions can change, and how vital it is to have the capability to develop vaccines and treatments here at home. This facility strengthens NSW's resilience and ensures we can respond faster and more effectively to future health threats.
"By bringing together cutting‑edge equipment, world‑leading expertise and strong industry partnership under one roof, this centre puts NSW at the forefront of RNA medicine and opens the door to new breakthroughs, new jobs and new opportunities across health, biotech and agriculture."
Minister for Medical Research, David Harris said:
"This facility brings together NSW's world-class RNA and delivery technology research with our outstanding clinical trials capability.
"The facility will become a cornerstone of NSW's RNA research ecosystem, following previous important NSW Government investments, including the NSW RNA Production & Research Network, the UNW RNA Institute and Australia's first Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility at Westmead Health and Innovation District.
"We know how important it is to provide the sovereign capability needed to develop, test and manufacture life-saving treatments right here in NSW.
"From next-generation vaccines to transformative treatments for cancer and rare genetic diseases, the potential of RNA technology, for both humans and animals, is limitless."
Dr Daniel Getts, Founder and Chair of Aurora Biosynthetics, the operator of the facility, and CEO of Create Medicines said:
"This has been a significant cross-team effort - combining the NSW Government's vision, strategic direction and resources with Aurora Biosynthetics' ingenuity, know-how and entrepreneurial spirit.
"This is a moment to celebrate government stewardship of resources for the betterment of the public.
"The facility opens an even broader channel for Australian researchers and clinicians who can gain support for their ideas, to innovate and accelerate new therapies to patients."
Paul McDonald, CEO, RNA Australia said:
"By establishing a world-class RNA manufacturing hub right here in NSW, we are ensuring our local researchers no longer have to head overseas. We are providing the infrastructure to realise life-saving medicinal breakthroughs right here in our own backyard."
Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton said:
"Macquarie University is proud to host this new RNA facility and to help bring it to life at a time of extraordinary global momentum in biomedical science.
"RNA technologies are transforming how we understand, prevent and treat disease, with the potential to reshape healthcare for generations to come.
"This facility will play a vital role in strengthening Australia's capabilities in this critical field, while also adding to a thriving medical and research precinct here at Macquarie Park."
