Construction of the NSW Government's $96 million RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility is on-track to open next year, enhancing NSW's crucial sovereign capability in the development and manufacture of RNA-based therapeutics.
Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong visited the RNA site last week alongside Chair of RNA Australia Kate Pounder to inspect construction progress.
The new facility will include laboratories and other support spaces and once built, will be the only site in Australia where a wide range of new and existing RNA therapeutics will be produced under the one roof.
The new facility's blueprint is becoming a reality, with its foundations, structure and utility connections finalised, the first step in allowing the laboratory construction to be certified as meeting the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) requirements.
Key large lab equipment including the $6 million VanRX robotic filling machine has been installed, marking another step forward in delivering this Australian-first facility.
The RNA Facility is a pioneering initiative in NSW and is uniquely positioned to complement existing and upcoming facilities across Australia. It will provide for the pilot-scale development and manufacture of a broad range of RNA-based therapeutics, while creating an important new focal point for collaboration between researchers and industry.
Once complete, the Facility will be operated by Australia-based Aurora Biosynthetics as a hub for cutting-edge scientific research, innovation, job creation and manufacturing that supports breakthroughs in healthcare, biotechnology and agricultural biosecurity.
The applications for this technology are diverse, ranging from human health and medicinal treatments like cancers and rare genetic diseases, to the creation of vaccines and pest control solutions for agricultural use.
This visit marked just over one year since Minister Chanthivong stood on a patch of bare earth at Macquarie University's Wallumattagal Campus with Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Medical Research David Harris, celebrating the commencement of construction.
The NSW Government is providing a further $119 million over 10 years to support RNA R&D projects at the facility and in July this year launched the $17.6 million NSW RNA Research and Training Network and announced the $6 million RNA Pipeline Grants Program.
These initiatives align with the NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035 and NSW Trade & Investment Strategy 2035, aimed at attracting global industry investment to NSW, growing an RNA innovation ecosystem in the Macquarie Park precinct, fostering local skills and securing domestic-market access to future therapeutics and NSW Health Research and Innovation Strategy.
Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:
"I'm proud to say that this world-class facility is progressing on schedule and will be an important addition to NSW's dynamic research and development sector. This facility will change the way NSW faces its future health challenges.
"The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the effectiveness of RNA-based vaccines and therapies, but it also revealed the critical need to develop sovereign capability that bridges the gap between research and clinical trial outcomes.
"This facility will enable NSW and Australian RNA researchers to design, test and manufacture RNA therapies locally, including vaccines and therapeutics for humans and animals."
Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:
"This project is a resounding testament to the Minns Labor Government's commitment to fostering medical research and innovation in New South Wales.
"When it opens next year, this new facility will become the centrepiece of the growing NSW RNA ecosystem. It will drive the translation of research to commercial outcomes by providing a top quality RNA therapeutics platform capable of manufacturing for Phase 1-3 clinical trials.
"I am pleased with the facility's progress so far, and I am excited to see the next phases of construction and operation next year."
Chair of RNA Australia Kate Pounder said:
"As we can see through these exciting milestones, the RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility is on-track to hit the ground running once it is complete.
"Collaboration across government, the tertiary education sector and industry will enable this RNA Facility to enhance RNA R&D in NSW, increasing investment and opportunities for national and international researchers alike."
