New South Wales has expanded its manufacturing capability in advanced therapeutics with the opening of a $96 million RNA research and manufacturing facility at the Macquarie University Innovation Precinct.
In a news release, the NSW Government said the completion of the facility marks a step forward in the state’s ability to translate, develop and manufacture RNA-based therapeutics, including vaccines and treatments for a range of diseases.
The project was delivered by Health Infrastructure in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer.
The government stated the facility would strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity and help position NSW to respond more effectively to future health challenges, including pandemics.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for local production capabilities, it said, with global supply chain disruptions limiting access to vaccines and treatments.
Located within the Macquarie University precinct, the site includes laboratories and support spaces designed to enable the production of a range of RNA therapeutics in one location. Industry partner Aurora Biosynthetics will operate the facility and work with researchers and clients to progress therapies towards clinical trials.
The NSW Government said it plans to invest a further $119 million over 10 years to support RNA research and development at the facility, alongside previously announced initiatives including the $17.6 million NSW RNA Research and Training Network and the $6 million RNA Pipeline Grants Program. Ownership of the facility will transfer to Property & Development NSW.
NSW Minister for Health and Regional Health Ryan Park said the facility represented “a major step forward for the future of healthcare in NSW” and would support the development and deployment of advanced therapies.
He added it would strengthen links between researchers, clinical trials and the health system.
Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong described the opening as “a major milestone” for the state’s innovation sector, saying the facility would allow ideas to move more quickly from research to practical applications.
He said the centre would improve the state’s ability to respond to future health threats and create new opportunities across health, biotechnology and agriculture.
Minister for Medical Research David Harris said the facility would become “a cornerstone of NSW’s RNA research ecosystem,” building on earlier government investments in related infrastructure and programs. He said local capability to develop, test and manufacture treatments was critical, with RNA technologies offering potential applications from vaccines to treatments for cancer and rare diseases.
