- New RNA Foundry set to accelerate personalised cancer treatments
- $6.8 million co-investment from Cook Government, National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy, and UWA
- Facility will strengthen WA's position as a leader in RNA research and precision medicine and supporting the wellbeing of Western Australians
A cutting-edge RNA Innovation Foundry (RIF) has officially opened in Western Australia, a facility designed to fast-track the development of personalised RNA-based cancer treatments.
This state-of-the-art hub aims to design and manufacture high-quality mRNA to expedite scientific breakthroughs in therapies for aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers.
mRNA, or messenger RNA, is a molecule that carries genetic instructions to cells, which allows them to produce proteins that can help target and treat diseases like cancer more precisely and effectively.
It will be Australia's first centre to focus solely on applying RNA technology to oncology treatments, attracting and growing a generation of scientists and improving outcomes for a wide range of cancers.
The WA node will see researchers and innovators collaborate and work hand in hand with oncologists, consumers, and patient advocates to design, produce, test, and improve pilot RNA products.
Developed in partnership with the Australian Centre for RNA Therapeutics in Cancer (ACRTC) at the University of Western Australia (UWA), the Foundry will provide researchers with access to advanced RNA technologies and foster collaboration across the sector.
The ACRTC is developing next-generation RNA therapies using advanced analytics and artificial intelligence, with support from the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund and leading cancer research partners.
ACRTC partners include the Cancer Research Trust, the State Government's FHRI Fund, Cancer Council WA, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, The Kids Research Institute Australia, Curtin University, and Therapeutic- Innovation Australia.
The ACRTC has already generated interest from global biotechnology leaders such as Moderna and BioNTech, reinforcing WA's growing reputation as a hub for RNA innovation.
As stated by Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Western Australia is now home to a state-of-the-art hub for advanced RNA science and precision medicine.
"This facility will give our local researchers access to groundbreaking RNA technologies and help accelerate new treatments for aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers.
"Cancer remains one of our most significant health challenges, and new RNA-based therapies offer promising options for patients who urgently need personalised treatments.
"This is another example on how the Cook Government's FHRI Fund is helping deliver medical research breakthroughs right here in Western Australia.
"By investing in this infrastructure, we are strengthening WA's position as a leader in RNA science, innovation and precision medicine."
