National RNA blueprint released

The federal government has released Australia’s RNA Blueprint, which it says will “guide advanced manufacturing growth and help create more high-paying jobs” within a sector estimated to add “up to $8 billion” to national GDP over the next decade.

In a statement on Tuesday, industry minister Ed Husic said the blueprint (available here) focussed on actions related to five goals:

Connect and promote the national RNA ecosystem, including supply chain capability and sector coordination, and increasing awareness of RNA medicines and the sector’s diverse job opportunities;
Increase skills and access to infrastructure to support future workforce needs that deliver RNA commercialisation and manufacturing;
Improve research, translation and investment by promoting resources on RNA technology commercialisation, and considering ways to ensure an ongoing pipeline of future potential RNA medicines and companies;
Lead RNA regulation and guidance development by continuing to build regulatory capabilities and promote international collaboration, further improving international market access for Australian manufactured RNA medicines; and
Build and strengthen international partnerships to work on shared interests – a common disease or to address a regional biosecurity challenge – with our international partners.

It notes the rapid growth of RNA-based medicines, following the rise of mRNA-based Covid vaccines beginning in 2020. There are currently over 200 human RNA medicines under development globally, according to the report.

The Australian subsidiary of biotech company Moderna welcomed the release, calling it “forward-thinking” and a big step “towards unlocking the full potential of Australia’s growing RNA sector.”

“We believe mRNA platform technology holds immense potential to address some of the world’s most pressing health challenges,” said Michael Azrak, Moderna’s General Manager for ANZ.

Moderna Australia is scheduled to open a mRNA factory at Monash University’s Clayton campus this year, and runs its Australia, New Zealand, South-East Asia & Oceania headquarters out of the Monash Technology Precinct.