NSW RNA manufacturing facility set to open next year

The NSW Government has announced that its $96 million RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility is on track to open next year, enhancing the state’s sovereign capability in the development and manufacture of RNA-based therapeutics.

The new facility — which will include laboratories and other support spaces — is set to be the only site in Australia where a wide range of new and existing RNA therapeutics will be produced under the one roof. Its foundations, structure and utility connections have been finalised, while key large lab equipment including the $6 million VanRX robotic filling machine has been installed.

Based at Macquarie University’s Wallumattagal Campus, the RNA facility is well positioned to complement existing and upcoming facilities across the country. Once complete, it will be operated by Australia-based Aurora Biosynthetics as a hub for cutting-edge scientific research, innovation, job creation and manufacturing that supports breakthroughs in health care, biotechnology and agricultural biosecurity.

The facility will provide for the pilot-scale development and manufacture of a broad range of RNA-based therapeutics, while creating an important new focal point for collaboration between researchers and industry. The applications for this technology are diverse, ranging from human health and medicinal treatments like cancers and rare genetic diseases, to the creation of vaccines and pest control solutions for agricultural use.

“This facility will change the way NSW faces its future health challenges,” said NSW Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong.

“The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the effectiveness of RNA-based vaccines and therapies, but it also revealed the critical need to develop sovereign capability that bridges the gap between research and clinical trial outcomes.

“This facility will enable NSW and Australian RNA researchers to design, test and manufacture RNA therapies locally, including vaccines and therapeutics for humans and animals.”

Minister for Medical Research David Harris added, “When it opens next year, this new facility will become the centrepiece of the growing NSW RNA ecosystem. It will drive the translation of research to commercial outcomes by providing a top-quality RNA therapeutics platform capable of manufacturing for phase 1–3 clinical trials.

“I am pleased with the facility’s progress so far, and I am excited to see the next phases of construction and operation next year.”