$96m RNA facility coming to Macquarie University

Myeloid Therapeutics, a clinical-stage mRNA-immunotherapy company, has announced that it will collaborate with the NSW Government to create a world-class RNA manufacturing and research facility. The mission of the facility is to accelerate the commercialisation of Myeloid’s RNA therapeutics and to build an RNA ecosystem in NSW.

The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will be custom designed and equipped for the manufacture of RNA-based therapies within one location, at Macquarie University’s Wallumattagal campus, as part of the Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District — home to a host of medical and health-related organisations as well as industrial and technology startups. It will be commissioned and qualified by Myeloid, which will be responsible for the GMP manufacturing and other licences enabling global clinical product supply. Myeloid was selected following a competitive tender process due to its proven track record in the translation of innovation and managing research facilities.

NSW is investing $96 million in the facility, enabling Myeloid to secure its supply chain for clinical development and future commercialisation of RNA-based therapeutics. The investment and collaboration is also expected to enhance further the growth potential of other biotechnology companies and researchers in Australia.

“The cutting-edge work that will be done at this world-leading facility has the potential to save lives by accelerating our biomedical research capabilities and boosting early-phase clinical trials to combat disease,” said NSW Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens.

“We have secured a global therapeutics company, co-founded by an Australian researcher, to operate the new facility, which will have strong links into Sydney’s world-renowned innovation ecosystem of research, education and industry experts.”

In addition to the manufacturing and large-scale commercial capabilities, the facility will include laboratories that can be used to support process development, and other support spaces to accommodate the development of innovative products evaluated in Australian clinical trials and across the globe. It will be the only site in Australia, and one of a handful in the world, where a wide range of RNA therapeutics and potential delivery technologies will be independently produced, providing NSW with scalable manufacturing opportunities that will bolster sovereign capability.

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the facility will leverage NSW’s world-class cell and gene therapy expertise. He stated, “Investing in RNA research and manufacturing will ensure NSW remains a world leader in the development of medical technologies and therapeutics, which will ultimately deliver better patient outcomes, particularly for cancer and rare genetic diseases.

“There is also growing demand for RNA therapeutics and products in the biosecurity and agriculture sectors, such as new treatments and vaccines for animal diseases.”

Myeloid CEO and co-founder Dr Daniel Getts said that, as an Australian researcher, he was excited by the opportunity to help drive more opportunities for local innovators, researchers and companies.

“Myeloid is thrilled to partner with NSW and pioneer a groundbreaking manufacturing facility that will accelerate the development and commercialisation of RNA therapeutics, including our immunotherapies for cancer,” Getts said.

“By enabling control of our manufacturing processes, combined with our proven bioengineering capabilities and mRNA expertise, we have secured a unique, non-dilutive path to delivering our product portfolio to patients. We are proud to partner with NSW, who have demonstrated foresight and a willingness to innovate, by deploying capital for the facility and, more broadly, for the health benefit of its citizens. We and NSW share the goal to bring innovative, cost-effective immunotherapies to patients who need them in a timely manner and on a consistent basis.”

Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton said the new facility would help build a thriving medical precinct in Macquarie Park, where researchers and clinicians are currently engaged in answering some of the most urgent medical questions of our time. A project team has already been appointed to progress planning and design for the pilot facility, which is due for completion in 2025.

Image credit: iStock.com/Kokkai Ng