Macquarie University is slated to be home to Australia’s first-ever $96 million RNA research and pilot manufacturing plant, which will be run by Myeloid Therapeutics.
Alister Henskens, Minister for Science, Innovation, and Technology, said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is collaborating with Myeloid, alongside Macquarie, to strengthen the state’s ability to develop and manufacture RNA-based therapeutics locally, including vaccine production.
The facility will be established on the Wallumattagal campus of Macquarie University, within a short distance from the Link Macquarie Park Innovation Area, which is home to a number of medical and health-related organizations as well as industrial and technological start-ups.
The NSW government highlighted that the facility, which will have labs and other support areas, will be the only one in Australia and one of only a few in the world where a wide range of RNA therapeutics and potential delivery technologies will be independently produced.
Global therapeutics company Myeloid was selected to operate the facility, enabling it to “have strong links into Sydney’s world-renowned innovation ecosystem of research, education, and industry experts,” Henskens said.
In addition to building on current investments such as the NSW RNA Production & Research Network, the UNSW RNA Institute, and Australia’s first Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility at Westmead Health and Innovation District, Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the facility will take advantage of NSW’s top-notch cell and gene therapy expertise.
“Investing in RNA research and manufacturing will ensure NSW remains a world leader in the development of medical technologies and therapeutics, which will ultimately deliver better patient outcomes, particularly for cancer and rare genetic diseases,” Mr Hazzard said.
As a researcher from Australia, Myeloid CEO and co-founder Dr Daniel Getts said he was enthusiastic about the chance to promote more chances for regional entrepreneurs, researchers, and businesses.
“Myeloid is thrilled to partner with NSW and pioneer a ground-breaking manufacturing facility that will accelerate the development and commercialisation of RNA therapeutics, including our immunotherapies for cancer,” Dr Getts said.
The pilot facility is scheduled to be completed in 2025.
