Taiwanese biotechnology company Intelligene will set up a home base at Griffith University to work in partnership with researchers to potentially deliver new therapies for infectious diseases.
The partnership between Griffith's Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics and Intelligene will see five Intelligene scientists based at Griffith to collaborate on commercial research, further enhancing the Gold Coast and Griffith's capacity and capability to fast-track therapeutic candidates.
Professor Nigel McMillan said working with Intelligene will strengthen the Institute's global biotechnology reputation while simultaneously expanding the development of gene-based treatments using RNA technology.
"The collaboration reflects Griffith's investment in world-class facilities such as our PC3 labs which are designed for our researchers to safely study infectious agents and pathogens," Professor McMillan said.
"By boosting our RNA technology, we can advance efforts to combat viral infections by creating vaccines which train the immune system to fight viruses that cause the flu and COVID.
"It presents a unique opportunity for our students to work on cutting-edge projects which will benefit the community for generations to come."
Executive Director of the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, Professor Paul Clarke said embedding a global biotech company at Griffith would accelerate the translation of research into real-world outcomes.
"Intelligene's decision to base itself at the Institute is a strong endorsement of the world-class research capability we are building here on the Gold Coast and the great work at the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct," he said.
"This partnership will accelerate innovation in RNA therapeutics while creating new opportunities for research collaboration, research translation, and global impact."
CEO of Intelligene, Jerry Huang, said: "The company sees strong long-term opportunity in the region."
"We are excited to establish our presence within the Institute and collaborate with Griffith University," Mr Huang said.
"This expansion reflects our confidence in the region's growing biotech ecosystem and its strength in RNA and extracellular vesicles research and development."
