Plans progress for Australia’s first RNA manufacturing facility in Macquarie Park
Artist impression (entrance)
Plans to construct a first-of-its-kind research facility in Macquarie Park have been revealed.
The $96 million RNA research and pilot manufacturing facility will be built on Macquarie University campus and operated by global gene specialists Myeloid Therapeutics, with construction slated to commence in 2024.
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) therapies are a suite of emerging medical technologies with the potential to deliver improved patient outcomes, particularly for cancer and rare genetic disease vaccines.
RNA plays a key role in turning the instructions held in the DNA of your genome into functional proteins in your cells.
The incoming facility will boost innovation and technology in NSW, centralise RNA knowledge and expertise in Macquarie Park, and help Australia become a global leader in RNA research.
The project - which was announced in the lead up to NSW’s 2023 State Government elections - represents a significant investment in Macquarie University, and will create 180 jobs during construction and an additional 58 highly skilled jobs during the facility’s operational phase.
Speaking earlier this year, Macquarie University President and Vice-Chancellor, Bruce Dowton said the new facility would elevate the reputation of Macquarie Park as an innovation district:
“Our world-leading researchers and clinicians are engaged in answering some of the most urgent medical questions of our time, working to improve diagnosis and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, motor neurone disease and cancers - all areas where RNA research has tremendous potential”
Since the project’s announcement, and confirmation of site and industry partner, detailed plans for the project have since been released.
The State Significant Development is now public exhibition, after meeting environmental assessment requirements (SEARs), publication of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and lodging of a development application with the Department of Planning and Environment.
Assuming construction and fit-out timelines are maintained, the facility is expected to be completed and operational in 2025.
The RNA pilot research and manufacturing facility will join Macquarie Park’s ecosystem of health, medical and research operators, including Macquarie University teaching hospital, AstraZeneca’s recently upgraded medical manufacturing facility, and industry leaders including Abbott, Sanofi and Johnson & Johnson.
