Backing the next gen of mRNA breakthroughs

We’re backing local researchers to accelerate new mRNA-based treatments that will save lives.

Thanks to round 4 of the mRNA Victoria Research Acceleration Fund, 6 research teams will share $1.7 million to fund research into treatments for:

• heart disease
• Alzheimer’s
• neurological (brain) diseases
• and more.

Recipients include the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. They are receiving funding to harness mRNA technology to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia and currently has no cure.

Among others, local startup Zitra Medicines is receiving funding to use mRNA to tackle Sandhoff and Tay-Sachs diseases – a severe, genetic brain disorder affecting children. Plus, the Hudson Institute of Medical Research is receiving funding to develop new mRNA-based treatments to fight autoinflammatory disease.

mRNA technology is a new way for vaccines and medicines to protect us against diseases. Traditional vaccines introduce a dead sample of a virus that safely teaches our immune system how to fight it.

mRNA – or messenger RNA – is different as it introduces a ‘message’ on how to fight the virus, which avoids introducing the virus itself. The ‘message’ is instructions for the immune system on how to make a virus-fighting protein, for the body to use if infected with the real virus.

Researchers across the world are adapting this mRNA technology to uncover new medical treatments.

Since 2021, mRNA Victoria has provided $30.6 million to support 63 research projects. It's unlocked the next frontier of medicines and vaccines and establishing a world-leading mRNA industry in Victoria.

For a full list of the recipients, visit mRNA Victoria's Research page.