The field of mRNA and RNA therapeutics is rapidly evolving, with ground-breaking advancements that hold vast promise for the future of medicine. Australia continues to be uniquely positioned to become a global leader in this sector, thanks to our robust research ecosystem, strategic government support, and the pioneering efforts of companies like Southern RNA.

At Southern RNA, we are at the front of this exciting field. Our mission is to drive innovation in RNA-based therapeutics, providing custom-scale manufacturing solutions that enable the clinical development of mRNA vaccines and therapies. Since our launch, we have been dedicated to advancing personalised medicine and enhancing Australia’s capabilities in this vital area.

We were honoured to welcome the Honourable Ed Husic MP to our PC1 facility in Springfield on August 1st. This visit marked a significant milestone in our journey, highlighting the progress we have made since his last visit in 2022. Our discussions with Minister Husic were productive and insightful, covering the RNA landscape, the newly released RNA Blueprint, funding opportunities, and our remarkable growth.

One of the key topics we addressed was the current gap in Australia’s GMP manufacturing capabilities for mRNA drugs. At Southern RNA, we are actively working to bridge this gap by the end of 2024. Our growing GMP mRNA capability is a cornerstone of our strategy, ensuring that Australia can meet the growing demand for high-quality RNA therapeutics.

The support from the Australian government has been instrumental in our growth and success. Initiatives like the Industry Growth Program and the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) provide essential funding that helps us drive innovation and expand our capabilities. The recently released RNA Blueprint, championed by Minister Husic and his team, is a demonstration of the government’s commitment to fostering a thriving RNA ecosystem in Australia.

During Minister Husic’s visit, we discussed the importance of balanced representation in the RNA Leadership Working Group. Ensuring that both industry and academia have a voice is central for fostering collaboration and addressing the needs of the entire RNA sector. This approach will be key to advancing RNA technology and capturing its economic and health benefits for Australians.

At Southern RNA, we pride ourselves on our custom-scale mRNA manufacturing solutions, which have already supported 58 projects across 11 organizations, including biotech and pharmaceutical companies both domestically and internationally. Our team has grown significantly, from 4 to 16 members since Minister Husic’s last visit, and we are excited to continue our growth journey as leaders in Australia’s mRNA and bio-manufacturing industry.

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance, leveraging our advanced platform technology to ensure that our products meet the requirements of clinical development. Our soon to be opened second facility in Eight Mile Plains, Brisbane - will enable us to support Phase I and Phase II clinical trials as Australians first mRNA GMP manufacturer.

The future of RNA therapeutics in Australia is bright, and Southern RNA is committed to playing a pivotal role in this journey. We are focused on driving innovation, expanding our capabilities, and fostering a collaborative ecosystem that benefits both industry and research leaders. With the support of the Australian government and our strategic partners, we are confident that we can continue to lead the way in RNA-based therapeutics.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to our mission of advancing personalised medicine and enhancing the health and well-being of Australians and people around the world.