About

Established in May 2021, mRNA Victoria is delivering the Victorian Government’s commitment to establish Victoria as the leading hub in the Asia-Pacific for mRNA and RNA research, commercialisation, advanced manufacturing and workforce training through a multi-pronged strategy, which includes:

• Supporting researchers to develop new mRNA medicines;
• Partnering with industry to create an end-to-end RNA ecosystem to commercialise our medical research innovations; and
• Working with global mRNA companies to build capability and capacity in Victoria.

Leveraging Victoria’s deep scientific and medical research expertise, mRNA Victoria partners with universities, research institutes and industry across the globe to accelerate mRNA research and manufacturing and build Victoria’s mRNA ecosystem.

What is mRNA?

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a type of single-stranded molecule involved in protein synthesis. First identified in 1960, scientists have been working with mRNA for decades to identify ways it can help the body’s immune system fight disease. The successful vaccines for COVID-19 produced by Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech have demonstrated the potential of mRNA, and researchers are now applying mRNA to treat a range of diseases and health conditions including infectious diseases, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.

mRNA Victoria is advised by a Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) made up of world-leading experts from the medical research sector. The SAG works with mRNA Victoria to support the development of the mRNA ecosystem in Victoria.

What we’re delivering

Victoria is currently the only jurisdiction in the world to attract both Moderna and BioNTech – the world’s two leading mRNA innovators – to establish mRNA research centres and manufacturing facilities.

Establishing sovereign mRNA manufacturing capability and pandemic response – with Moderna

mRNA Victoria is working with Moderna on the construction of a new mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility in Clayton, capable of producing up to 100 million vaccine doses per year. Moderna has also established its headquarters for Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and Oceania and its Regional Research Centre for Respiratory Medicines and Tropical Diseases in Melbourne, Victoria.

Growing the Victorian ecosystem and developing new medical treatments – with BioNTech

German biotechnology company BioNTech is establishing its R&D and clinical manufacturing facility at La Trobe University. BioNTech has also opened their regional headquarters and Innovation Centre in Melbourne, working with mRNA Victoria and the local ecosystem to support development of mRNA technology to treat a range of diseases, including various forms of cancer.

Supporting Victorian mRNA researchers

The mRNA Victoria Research Acceleration Fund provides grants to fast-track RNA based therapeutic research and support for other project ideas that will grow Victoria’s capabilities in RNA research, development and manufacturing is provided via the mRNA Victoria Activation Program.

mRNA Victoria has so far funded 57 research projects sharing a total of nearly $29 million in funding.

Workforce development

The Monash Centre for Advanced mRNA Medicines Manufacturing and Workforce Training, supported by the Victorian Government, is working to develop the current and future workforce of the pharmaceutical sciences sector to increase the competencies, capabilities and effectiveness, including the delivery of specific mRNA courses.

The Victorian Government is also supporting the establishment of the Australian Centre for AI in Medical Innovation at La Trobe University, which will train biomedical science students in AI capability as well as delivering a research program and AI support for clinical trials.

Global impact

mRNA Victoria is growing the local ecosystem by partnering with international governments to enable collaboration on mRNA research, manufacturing, and workforce training, with agreements already signed with the Governments of South Korea, Abu Dhabi and South Africa.

Contact us if you’re looking for more information about mRNA Victoria or if you’d like to discuss collaboration opportunities via email mRNAvictoria@ecodev.vic.gov.au or follow us on LinkedIn.