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A significant advancement in Western Australia’s biotechnology sector has been announced, with more than AU$2 million awarded through the Cook Government’s Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund. This funding will support the establishment of Australia’s first dedicated centre focused on RNA technology for cancer treatments.
The Medical Research Minister revealed that the University of Western Australia’s Archa Fox is the inaugural recipient of the FHRI Fund National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) Partner Programme. This award will facilitate the creation of the RNA Foundry in Western Australia.
The FHRI Fund’s contribution will be augmented by an additional AU$4.78 million from the NCRIS, via Therapeutic Innovation Australia (TIA) and the University of Western Australia (UWA). This RNA Foundry will be an integral part of a nationwide network of RNA production centres designed to support and expedite the translation of RNA discoveries into practical treatments.
The Western Australia node aims to foster collaboration among researchers, innovators, oncologists, consumers, and patient advocates. This teamwork will focus on designing, producing, testing, and refining pilot RNA products. By concentrating exclusively on applying RNA technology to oncology treatments, the centre aims to attract and nurture a new generation of scientists while enhancing outcomes for various cancers.
RNA technology, which gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic for its role in vaccine production, holds considerable promise for cancer treatment. RNA-based therapies can be customised to suit individual patients and specific tumours, offering a highly personalised approach to cancer care.
The Cook Government established the FHRI Fund in 2020, leveraging the State’s nearly AU$1.8 billion sovereign wealth fund. This initiative has ensured that almost AU$ 250 million will be available over the next four years to support health and medical research and innovation within Western Australia.
The Medical Research Minister emphasised the significance of this development, noting that this groundbreaking medical treatment process, facilitated by the Cook Government’s FHRI Fund, will be based in Western Australia. The partnership between the FHRI Fund, TIA, and UWA through the NCRIS programme is set to drive the development of new RNA therapies, ultimately aiming to improve outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients.
Investment in health and medical research infrastructure, such as the RNA Foundry, is deemed crucial for ensuring that Western Australia possesses the capability and expertise to capitalise on opportunities in health and medical research and innovation. This co-investment is expected to lead to substantial improvements in health and medical policy, practice, patient care, and overall health outcomes for Western Australians.
Furthermore, this initiative will enhance Western Australia’s reputation as a hub for high-quality training and research, attracting students and talented researchers to the state. By establishing a centre that focuses on the advanced application of RNA technology in oncology, Western Australia is positioning itself at the forefront of medical innovation, with potential global implications.
In summary, the establishment of the RNA Foundry in Western Australia represents a pivotal moment in the application of RNA technology to cancer treatment. Supported by substantial funding from both the Cook Government’s FHRI Fund and additional contributions through the NCRIS programme, this centre aims to accelerate the development of tailored RNA therapies. This initiative underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among various stakeholders in the medical field and reinforces Western Australia’s commitment to advancing health and medical research, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and attract top-tier talent to the region.
