Moderna launches mRNA Platform Incubator Network

US-based biotech company Moderna has announced the launch of the mRNA Platform Incubator Network, linking Australian organisations with strength in translational and pharmaceutical science, early-phase clinical trials and regulatory science. 

According to the maker of the Spikevax COVID‑19 vaccine, the group aims to “advance mRNA medicine, foster scientific excellence in clinical translation in Australia and further the therapeutic potential of the mRNA platform.”

The group includes Monash University and Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS), the Peter Doherty Institute and The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Moderna’s Regional Research Centre – launched in August – will serve as the headquarters for the network.

According to the biotech company, examples of how the Network intends to pool its collective knowledge include in “development of scientific strategies to overcome specific clinical platform challenges and oversee operational implementation of these strategies through non-clinical and computational quantitative pharmacology investigations, as well as translational clinical trials, led from Australia.”

“The launch of the mRNA Platform Incubator Network is a testament to this commitment and to Australia as an emerging leader in mRNA research,” said Dr. Craig Rayner, Director of Moderna’s Regional Research Centre.

“MIPS is delighted to be part of this new initiative. mRNA holds enormous potential as a therapeutic platform, but remains a relatively new technology where there is much to learn,” said Professor Chris Porter, Director of the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

“By bringing together national leaders in translation and mRNA science from academia, industry and clinical evaluation, the Incubator Network is an important step towards realising the potential of mRNA therapeutics.”

Further reading

Moderna launches new R&D centre at Monash

Moderna’s Monash mRNA factory now half-built

Melbourne Moderna mRNA factory a step closer following announcement

Celebrating Australian sovereign capability – our emerging mRNA vaccine ecosystem