International cancer vaccine research lands on the Gold Coast as Southern RNA and Providence Therapeutics join forces

International cancer vaccine research lands on the Gold Coast as Southern RNA and Providence Therapeutics join forces

Gold Coast – 7 October 2025

A major step forward for personalised medicine in Australia is underway at the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct (GCHKP), with the relocation of Southern RNA and the arrival of its international biotech partner, Providence Therapeutics.

Southern RNA, a leading Australian contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) specialising in mRNA and advanced RNA-based therapeutics, has established its R&D headquarters at Economic Development Queensland’s Cohort Innovation Space within the GCHKP. The move was supported by the City of Gold Coast’s Investment and Business Attraction Program.

Southern RNA CEO Chris Peck said the Gold Coast offered the ideal ecosystem to accelerate innovation. “The precinct connects researchers, clinicians and entrepreneurs in one place, creating the network we need to translate discovery into therapies faster. Our facility here will enable us to move from R&D to clinical trials and full-scale GMP manufacturing, keeping capability and talent onshore.”

Brad Sorenson, CEO of Providence Therapeutics, said the partnership would deliver life-saving therapies more quickly to Australian patients. “Our immunotherapies are giving children with brain cancer a fighting chance. Partnering with Southern RNA means these treatments can be made here in Australia, without delays, and reach families when they need them most. As a parent whose son Adam was diagnosed with late-stage glioblastoma at 13 and told he wouldn’t survive past 14, I know what it means to be given hope. Adam is now 25, proof of what this science can achieve and why bringing it to Australia matters so deeply.”

That impact is already being felt. Brisbane patient Ian Gillespie recently received treatment through Providence’s personalised cancer vaccine program. “The treatment has given me hope, dignity and the confidence to look ahead. My health has improved, I’m almost pain-free, and I can focus on living well with my family.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the arrival of Southern RNA and Providence Therapeutics highlighted the city’s ambition to grow a future-focused economy. “Our economy is worth close to $50 billion annually, and our health and knowledge sector is at its heart. Through our Investment and Business Attraction Program, Council supports companies like Southern RNA and Providence because we know these partnerships create jobs today and opportunities for tomorrow.”

GCHKP Precinct Director Craig Rowsell said the partnership reflected the precinct’s purpose. “The arrival of Southern RNA and Providence Therapeutics is a powerful example of what the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct was designed to achieve, bringing together research, industry and government to deliver innovation that has real impact for patients.”

That collaboration includes Griffith University’s Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, with Southern RNA’s ongoing Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF)-funded research partnership set to expand. “The close proximity to our Institute will accelerate R&D and manufacturing aspects of our existing and future joint projects,” said Dr Chris Davis, General Manager. “It will build further knowledge and capability on the Gold Coast in biomedical technologies.”

Event details: A formal announcement and media opportunity will be held at Cohort Innovation Space (16 Nexus Way) on Tuesday 7 October 2025, 10am, attended by Mayor Tom Tate, Chris Peck (Southern RNA), Craig Rowsell (GCHKP), Leon Rozen, Chief Medical Officer (Providence Therapeutics) and Professor Nigel McMillan (Griffith University Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics).

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