RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility

Health Infrastructure is supporting the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer in delivering the new RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility.

Project information

The facility will conduct small-scale production of messenger RNA (mRNA), synthetic RNA (sRNA) and lipid nanoparticles (LNP) encapsulation at a scale which will enable clinical trials of new therapeutics. 

Viruses, cancers, genetic diseases and many other health-related issues are potentially treatable with RNA technologies. Similar in structure to DNA, RNA is a nucleic acid found in every cell of the body, which transmits genetic information between DNA and proteins to control the amount and type of protein made within a cell. 

RNA can also help to turn genes on and off, aid chemical reactions, regulate cell behaviour and inhibit other RNAs. 

The NSW Government has committed $72.2 million to build the new facility, as part of a total $95.8 commitment for the project. A further $119 million has been announced over 10 years for RNA research and development initiatives. 

The new facility will be located in the Connect Innovation Precinct at Macquarie University and operated by Myeloid Therapeutics, a global therapeutics company. 

Benefits

The project will: 

• be the first opportunity for RNA research and development to be tested and developed locally, across the broad spectrum of RNA technology, reducing Australia's reliance on international supply.
• provide Australian patients with faster access to new and innovative RNA therapeutics to treat diseases such as cancer and rare genetic diseases.
• attract global industry investment to Australia, foster local jobs and skills and secure domestic-market access to future therapeutics.
• be central to NSW's thriving RNA research and development ecosystem, surrounded by medical and research facilities, existing infrastructure, and world-leading RNA and cell and gene therapy expertise.
• boost innovation and technology in NSW, centralise RNA knowledge and expertise, create highly skilled jobs, and help NSW become a global leader in RNA research and production.
• capitalise on NSW's competitive advantage by translating its strengths in research and development into a sustainable commercial pipeline of RNA therapeutics and products. 

Scope

The project includes: 

• new manufacturing facility with a floor area of around 4,500sqm
• design, equipment and fit-out of facility to produce RNA-based products for clinical trials.

Visit the NSW Planning Portal website for the project's planning documentation.