Exciting breakthrough for Lupus patients

News

Published: 29 October 2025

October is Lupus Awareness Month – a time to shine a light on this debilitating autoimmune disease.

Lupus affects around 20,000 Australians. It makes the immune system attacks healthy cells, causing:

skin problems
joint pain
fatigue
inflammation of major organs.

But now there’s new hope. Researchers from the Hudson Institute of Medical Research have developed an innovative new RNA-based cream to treat lupus. The cream is being tested in a world-first clinical trial through Australian biotech company Noxopharm.

This breakthrough is possible by the mRNA Victoria Research Acceleration Fund. The Fund has supported this project along with 63 other research initiatives. We have invested over $30.6 million to unlock new medicines, vaccines, and build a world-leading RNA industry right here in Victoria.

Together, we’re driving cutting-edge science that could transform the lives of thousands living with lupus.