RNA Ecosystem
An artist's impression of the RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility.
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 vaccines, therapies and associated technologies.
This initiative is part of its broader commitment to advancing the health, medical, agricultural 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 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. These are listed below. 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 Manufacturing Facility
The RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility will be a cornerstone of the growing RNA ecosystem in NSW.
A major gap in Australia’s RNA landscape is the limited capacity to manufacture RNA products in approved, GMP-grade environments for clinical trials. This capability is critical to translating research into market-ready therapies. The Facility will address this gap, enabling Australian RNA R&D to progress to commercialisation and strengthening sovereign manufacturing capability to support clinical trials to international standards.
The Facility will allow NSW to capitalise on its R&D strengths, building a sustainable pipeline of RNA vaccines, therapeutics and related technologies. It will help position NSW as a global leader in the fight against current and emerging diseases by offering sovereign RNA capability, attracting investment, growing high-value jobs and fostering deeper partnerships between universities, research institutes and industry.
Designed to support both local and global clients, the Facility will operate on a fee-for-service model, with Aurora Biosynthetics as the Facility Operator. Clients will be able to manufacture RNA vaccines and therapeutics while retaining full ownership of their intellectual property—supporting clinical trial readiness and accelerating product development worldwide.
Announced in February 2023, $96 million RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility is being built at Macquarie University and operated by Myeloid Therapeutics, through its Australia subsidiary, Aurora Biosythetics. It will focus on RNA therapeutics for human health, as well as applications in agriculture, animal health and biosecurity.
In May 2024, Hindmarsh Construction was appointed as the main works contractor. The Facility is being delivered by Health Infrastructure in partnership with the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer.
More information is available at this website: https://www.hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/project-search/rna-research-and-pilot-manufacturing-facility.
RNA R&D Initiatives
The NSW Government is accelerating the translation of local RNA research into new products, services and jobs through a $119 million RNA R&D Initiatives fund over 10 years. This investment has supported the establishment of the following initiatives:
- RNA Australia
- NSW RNA Research and Training Network (NSW-RRTN)
- RNA Pipeline Grants (RPG) Program
- RNA Investment Fund
Contact us
You can contact us at: nswchiefscientist@chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au