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The University of Queensland is working to meet the growing demand for mRNA technology by establishing a dedicated laboratory for the production of mRNA vaccines and therapies. The project is being conducted at the BASE facility within the university, which has evolved into Australia’s primary source of mRNA for research and pilot programs since its launch in 2021.
The financing for this groundbreaking endeavour comes from various sources, including the Commonwealth Government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) National Critical Research Infrastructure scheme, contributing a substantial AU$4.3 million. Furthermore, a global healthcare company, in partnership with UQ, has committed AU$1 million each, and the Queensland Government is chipping in with AU$250,000.
Associate Professor Tim Mercer, the director of BASE, underscores the significance of this project in solidifying the facility’s role in the flourishing mRNA industry. The industry itself was valued at AU$55 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to a staggering AU$107 billion globally by 2030.
The laboratory’s ambition is to cover the entire spectrum of mRNA vaccine development, from the initial design stage to clinical trials, positioning Queensland as a pivotal hub for the next generation of mRNA vaccines and therapies. The ambitious plan is to commence manufacturing mRNA for Phase 1 clinical trials by 2024.
The UQ Vice-Chancellor stressed the crucial role that local mRNA production plays in Australia’s preparedness for pandemics and the economic benefits stemming from cutting-edge research. The BASE team has expanded from its initial five founding scientists to a formidable force of over 20 researchers. The growth shows no signs of slowing down, with expectations for additional highly skilled positions in the field of mRNA manufacturing.
This significant investment builds upon the previously established Translation Science Hub (TSH) partnership, featuring the Queensland Government and healthcare company, with UQ playing a pivotal role as a partner. The ongoing Queensland Vaccines Symposium, opened by Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles, serves as a testament to Queensland’s leadership in vaccine development and biomedical research.
Dr. Iris Depaz, the Managing Director of the Translational Science Hub at the global healthcare company, expresses enthusiasm for supporting this groundbreaking project. She emphasises the critical importance of providing the scientific community with easy access to high-quality mRNA for their research and development endeavours.
UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology houses the BASE facility, which has already provided experimental-grade vaccines and therapies for a wide range of diseases. It has solidified its position as the go-to destination for Australian biotech companies seeking support in the ever-evolving field of mRNA technology.
In this era of rapid technological advancement, the University of Queensland’s investment in mRNA research and manufacturing is poised to shape the future of healthcare. By bridging science and innovation, they are paving the way for groundbreaking vaccines and therapies, cementing their position as leaders in the global biomedical landscape.
OpenGov Asia reported earlier that the Trace DNA Lab at the University of Canberra’s Faculty of Science and Technology has been expanded; this represents a significant development in the intersection of technology and biology. The advanced laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge technology to manage minuscule DNA samples, maintain rigorous lab conditions, and conduct various genetic analyses. The lab primarily serves the EcoDNA research team, which specialises in environmental DNA (eDNA) applications for biosecurity and biodiversity.
As Australia’s National eDNA Reference Centre, the lab plays a pivotal role in delivering standardised results and data required by the government to make informed decisions related to biodiversity and biosecurity. Professor Dianne Gleeson, the head of the EcoDNA team, emphasised the lab’s potential to enhance their research endeavours and broaden their horizons in scientific exploration.
The expansion not only increases the lab’s capacity but also opens doors for collaboration with students, interns, and partners, nurturing the next generation of scientific talent.
