New Government-funded Ribonucleic acid (RNA) research into vaccines and other healthcare treatments is to be supported by University of Otago researchers.
RNA technologies played a key role in the development of Covid vaccines and this breakthrough has created significant opportunities for the technologies to be used in novel therapeutics, diagnostics and vaccines.
These technologies will also have applications in other fields, including animal health and agriculture.
Victoria University of Wellington and the University of Auckland have been named as co-hosts of the RNA Development Platform, and it will be supported by the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Otago.
Initial funding of $500,000 is being provided to the RNA Development Platform to prepare a seven-year research plan.
This plan will be supported by a further $69.5 million over seven years to support capacity-building and capability-building in the sector.
The platform will bring together RNA researchers from around the country.
Victoria University of Wellington research vice-provost Prof Margaret Hyland said the university was excited by the possibilities that could be offered by jointly developing RNA technologies.
It would work towards enhancing New Zealand’s resilience.
"This platform will bring together experts from across different organisations, here in New Zealand and internationally, and build the end-to-end capability of RNA technologies — from the lab, right up to full-scale production."
Malaghan institute strategic partnerships director and interim platform co-director Dr Kjesten Wiig said RNA technology presented a significant opportunity for New Zealand to "supercharge" its thriving biotech sector and become a leader in the development of novel RNA therapeutics.
"We believe that we are at the beginning of a step change in medicine.
"The RNA technology used in the Covid-19 vaccines is as disruptive and revolutionary as penicillin and computers."
University of Otago research and enterprise deputy vice-chancellor Prof Richard Blaikie said the university was pleased to be part of the new initiative.
"Through the pandemic, we demonstrated as a research community our ability to work together to quickly provide novel solutions for the health sector or industry.
"This new platform puts this on an enduring footing for RNA research."
