The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for national capability in the rapid development and manufacture of mRNA therapeutics in Aotearoa. Established in 2023, the RNA Technology Platform provides a safe and standardised, end-to-end workflow for the production of single-stranded and double-stranded RNA products, supporting research and preclinical development of RNA therapeutics. The platform enables the generation of high-quality mRNA products through construct design, in vitro transcription, fast protein liquid chromatography purification, and lipid nanoparticle formulation. These workflows optimise mRNA delivery and protein expression while minimising unwanted inflammatory responses. Further quality assessment and process optimisation support the development of robust RNA products through scalable, cost-effective manufacturing approaches that enable rapid adaptation to diverse therapeutic targets.
Beyond infectious disease applications, the platform also supports the exploration of RNA-based technologies across human, animal, and plant health, including diseases prevalent in Māori and Pasifika communities and Aotearoa’s primary industries. Together, these capabilities accelerate translational RNA research and build a foundation for the development of next-generation RNA medicines. By establishing local RNA technology capability, the platform strengthens Aotearoa’s preparedness for emerging infectious diseases, future pandemics, and threats to our national biosecurity.
Now in its third year of operation, the platform has supported over 100 projects in the past six months. This poster presentation will highlight examples of the diverse research and innovation it supports across Aotearoa and beyond.