Construction Starts on RNA Research Facility at Macquarie University
Construction has commenced on a cutting-edge Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) research and pilot manufacturing facility at Macquarie University, backed by a $96 million investment from the NSW Government.
This facility, the first of its kind in Australia, will deliver new capabilities to develop world leading vaccines and medical therapies for humans and animals based on cutting edge RNA technology.
Located at Macquarie University’s Wallumattagal campus, the facility will integrate into the Connect Macquarie Park innovation district, which hosts a variety of medical, health-related organizations, and technology startups.
The centre will support the development and manufacturing of RNA technologies, providing NSW with advanced sovereign capabilities. It will feature state-of-the-art laboratories and production lines for all phases of clinical trials.
Around 90,000 people are already employed in the sector in NSW, which represents 40 per cent of the national total.
RNA technology came to global prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it supported the rapid development and deployment of vaccines to combat the unprecedented health crisis.
The technology offers the prospect of preventing and treating an even broader spectrum of health conditions, including cancers, genetic diseases and other viruses.
The facility will feature laboratories along with manufacturing production lines and will be able to be used by researchers and industry. It will be operated by Aurora Biosynthetics, a subsidiary of Myeloid Therapeutics, a global leader in RNA technology.
The Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“This facility helps put us at the front of the queue in the fierce global battle to attract new investment and build new industries.
This facility will add a key capability to the Macquarie Park Innovation District, enhancing its role as a hub for health and medical advancements. Once operational, it will contribute directly to the district’s growth as a prominent centre for cutting-edge health research and development.
