The NSW Government has today opened a new $96 million RNA Research and Manufacturing facility within the Macquarie University Innovation Precinct.
Construction of the RNA Facility has been completed on time, marking a new era in the state’s ability to translate, develop and manufacture life-saving RNA therapeutics, said Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Anoulack Chanthivong.
“The opening of this facility is a major milestone for NSW and a proud moment for our innovation sector. It gives our researchers, clinicians and industry partners a place where ideas can move rapidly from the lab bench to real‑world solutions that improve lives,” said Minister Chanthivong.
“We all saw during COVID‑19 how quickly global conditions can change, and how vital it is to have the capability to develop vaccines and treatments here at home. This facility strengthens NSW’s resilience and ensures we can respond faster and more effectively to future health threats.
“By bringing together cutting‑edge equipment, world‑leading expertise and strong industry partnership under one roof, this centre puts NSW at the forefront of RNA medicine and opens the door to new breakthroughs, new jobs and new opportunities across health, biotech and agriculture.”
Located within the Macquarie University Innovation Precinct, the RNA Facility includes advanced laboratories and support spaces that will make it the only site in Australia capable of producing a wide range of new and existing RNA therapeutics under one roof. Industry partner and operator, Aurora Biosynthetics, will now engage with researchers and clients who aim to advance their therapeutic innovations from the laboratory towards clinical trials.
“This facility brings together NSW’s world-class RNA and delivery technology research with our outstanding clinical trials capability,” said Minister for Medical Research, David Harris.
“The facility will become a cornerstone of NSW’s RNA research ecosystem, following previous important NSW Government investments, including the NSW RNA Production & Research Network, the UNW RNA Institute and Australia’s first Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility at Westmead Health and Innovation District.
“We know how important it is to provide the sovereign capability needed to develop, test and manufacture life-saving treatments right here in NSW.
“From next-generation vaccines to transformative treatments for cancer and rare genetic diseases, the potential of RNA technology, for both humans and animals, is limitless.”
The NSW Government plans to provide an additional $119 million over 10 years in support of RNA R&D projects at the RNA Facility, and in July last year, launched the $17.6 million NSW RNA Research and Training Network along with the $6 million RNA Pipeline Grants Program.
The project was delivered by Health Infrastructure in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer. RNA Australia led by Chair, Kate Pounder and Chief Executive Officer, Paul McDonald will provide ongoing engagement with the Australian academic community along with Aurora Biosynthesis. Ownership of the Facility will now transfer to Property & Development NSW, the Minister confirmed.
“By establishing a world-class RNA manufacturing hub right here in NSW, we are ensuring our local researchers no longer have to head overseas. We are providing the infrastructure to realise life-saving medicinal breakthroughs right here in our own backyard,” said RNA Australia CEO, Paul McDonald.
“Macquarie University is proud to host this new RNA facility and to help bring it to life at a time of extraordinary global momentum in biomedical science,” said Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Professor, S Bruce Dowton.
“RNA technologies are transforming how we understand, prevent and treat disease, with the potential to reshape healthcare for generations to come.
“This facility will play a vital role in strengthening Australia’s capabilities in this critical field, while also adding to a thriving medical and research precinct here at Macquarie Park.”
