RNA Ecosystem

Recognising the immense potential for ribonucleic acid (RNA) technology and building upon the diverse and world-class research and development (R&D) in NSW, the NSW Government is proactively working to catalyse the NSW RNA ecosystem within the state. This includes leveraging the world-leading clinical trials via supporting the manufacture of RNA-based therapies.

This initiative is part of its broader commitment to advancing the health, medical, and biosecurity research and manufacturing sectors. By collaborating with research organisations, such as through the NSW Vice-Chancellors' Committee, and engaging the private sector, the government aims to strategically enhance the RNA value chain, facilitating market entry and expansion, and creating new skilled jobs.

In October 2021, the NSW Government announced a $96 million investment for the development of an RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility. To further support this initiative, an additional $119 million over 10 years was allocated in June 2022 for RNA R&D initiatives to build the talent and product pipelines. This combined investment in R&D and the establishment of a pilot-scale GMP Facility will enable locally developed products to be scaled-up, clinically trialled, and commercialised domestically.

RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility

The RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility will be a key infrastructure asset within the broader RNA ecosystem in NSW.

Currently, a significant gap in Australia’s RNA landscape is the capacity to produce RNA products within approved manufacturing environments for clinical trials. This capability is essential for bringing new therapies to market.  The Facility will bridge this gap, enabling Australian R&D to be translated into marketable products and ensuring sovereign manufacturing capability to support clinical trials in compliance with relevant standards.

The RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility will allow NSW to capitalise on its competitive advantage by transforming its strengths in research and development into a sustainable pipeline of RNA therapeutics and products. This will position NSW as a global leader in efforts to combat existing and emerging diseases. The facility will provide sovereign RNA capability and capacity, build and retain skills, and foster closer partnerships with universities. Its development will offer NSW significant economic growth opportunities and high-value benefits, including new products, businesses, and jobs.

In February 2023, the NSW Government announced that Australia’s first-of-its-kind Facility will be built at Macquarie University and operated by Myeloid Therapeutics. This facility will translate research strengths into a sustainable commercial pipeline of RNA therapeutics and products in the human health sector, while also boosting biosecurity and productivity in agricultural, veterinary, and other industries.

Health Infrastructure is supporting the Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer in building the Facility click here for more details. And in May 2024 Hindmarsh Construction was announced at the main works contractor.

The Facility is designed to benefit not only NSW researchers but also national and international researchers and industry. It offers a fee-for-service model where Myeloid Therapeutics, the Facility Operator, will manufacture therapeutics for clients while allowing them to retain full IP ownership. This setup facilitates the production of therapeutics for clinical trials globally.

RNA R&D Initiatives

The NSW Government will 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.

To build the ecosystem, the NSW Government provided $10 million in funding to establish RNA Australia. RNA Australia will provide a ‘front door’ to the NSW RNA ecosystem.

In December 2022 and January 2023, the NSW Government sought market interest for the establishment of an RNA Investment Fund through an interactive Registration of Interest (ROI) process. This process provided valuable market feedback on global investors’ trends and interests. The investment fund will focus on securing investment for RNA and related technologies and therapeutics, driving them through to commercialisation.

The NSW Government is currently working on the next steps for this Investment Fund and other initiatives.

RNA Australia

In March 2023, the NSW Government, in collaboration with the NSW Vice-Chancellors' Committee, established RNA Australia. This initiative aims to support the RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility and 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.

Contact us

You can contact us at: nswchiefscientist@chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au