Health Infrastructure is supporting the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer in building a new RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility that will enable research, development and production of a broad spectrum of RNA technologies locally.
OVERVIEW
The new facility will conduct small-scale production of messenger RNA (mRNA), Plasmid DNA (pDNA) 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 $96 million to build the RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility,
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 Aurora Biosynthetics, part of 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 small scale RNA-based products for clinical trials.
For more information read:
RELATED DOCUMENTS
A24a(i): Approved Plans
A24a(ii): Current Statutory Approvals
A24a(iii): Approved Strategies, Plans and Programs
A24a(iv): Environmental Performance
- To be updated when available
A24a(v): Summary of Monitoring Results
- Vibration monitoring report
- Construction noise report – to be updated when available
- Air monitoring reports – to be updated when available
A24a(viii): Complaints Register
A24a(ix): Audit Report and Applicants Response
- To be updated when available
B26 Construction Worker Transportation Strategy
A24a(vii): Contact Details to enquire about the project
If you'd like to ask a question, provide feedback or learn more about the RNA project, please contact our team at HI-RNA@health.nsw.gov.au.
To access further planning documentation for this project, please visit the NSW Planning Portal.