Investment NSW has positioned the State in the lead as the race to become Australia’s mRNA vaccine manufacturing hub pans out.
Premier, Gladys Berejiklian said major support was being provided to NSW’s leading universities, research institutions and hospitals to advance its mRNA research, development and manufacturing capabilities.
“This will reinforce NSW as a world leader in the combat of infectious diseases and establishes the State as the natural home for any joint State-Federal initiative,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The pandemic has shown that an investment in mRNA vaccine manufacturing and RNA research is an investment in the health and safety of our community,” she said.
“A strong and supported RNA industry will ensure NSW remains a world leader in the development of medical technologies and therapeutics to combat everything from pandemics to cancer and genetic diseases.”
Ms Berejiklian said State initiatives included the formation of a new NSW RNA Bioscience Alliance; a partnership across all NSW Universities; and provided support for a new NSW RNA Production and Research Network.
The Premier said the Alliance and Network would work closely with a new RNA Institute established by UNSW Sydney.
She said the Network had been tasked with providing high-quality genetic materials for use in pre-clinical studies related to three pilot research projects to develop therapeutic solutions that would assist in the COVID-19 response.
Minister for Health and Medical Research, Brad Hazzard said RNA technologies could potentially play an important role in combatting pandemics, as well as in therapies and diagnostics.
