Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) Development platform

RNA therapeutic technology is nothing short of revolutionary. Its novelty lies in its unique ability to manipulate the human body as a natural bioreactor. This ground‐breaking discovery not only paved the way for innovative vaccines and infectious disease treatments but also revealed the vast potential of RNA‐based therapeutics to address a wide range of conditions like cancer, metabolic and genetic disorders, cardiovascular issues, and autoimmune diseases, as well as biosecurity applications.

For New Zealand to fully leverage the opportunities presented by RNA and to foster scientific expertise, capability, and self‐sufficiency, establishing an RNA Platform is of utmost importance. This Platform will be a dedicated science and technology hub, supporting the design and production of RNA therapeutics and mRNA vaccines within New Zealand. By bringing together experts and teams from diverse disciplines and institutions, it aims to strengthen New Zealand's capabilities in this cutting‐edge field. Moreover, it will establish connections with international efforts and developments, empowering local researchers to contribute to global advancements while enabling New Zealand companies to offer new RNA products and services.

The establishment of this Platform will not only elevate New Zealand's status in the field of RNA therapeutics but will also enhance its resilience. For example, in case of a future global pandemic, the country will be equipped with the ability to rapidly develop and manufacture vaccines not only for itself, but also for its Pacific neighbours. By enabling targeted research, the Platform will help build resilience for other potential crises, in addition to future pandemics.

In summary, the RNA Platform will be a catalyst for progress, innovation, and self‐reliance in RNA-based therapies, empowering New Zealand to contribute to global health efforts while safeguarding its own population and the broader Pacific community.

The RNA Platform is a national consortium dedicated to advancing RNA research, development, and manufacturing in New Zealand. Hosted by Victoria University of Wellington and the University of Auckland, with the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Otago as partners, the platform aims to develop and manufacture RNA products to enhance resilience against future pandemics and biosecurity threats. 

Significant progress has been made in the first year of the Platform’s operation:

• Directors – Profs Kjesten Wiig and Gary Evans, were appointed through an open and competitive process run by the host.  
• Two governance/advisory bodies were established – The Steering Group, chaired by Dame Juliet Gerrard, and the Oversight Group, co-chaired by Prof Margaret Hyland and Prof Frank Bloomfield, work with Directors to oversee the platform's operations, ensuring alignment with policy intent and platform deliverables.
• A Science Advisory Group, chaired by Prof John Fraser was established to ensure the platform’s research projects and programmes are world-class as well as being in-step with current global best practice.
• Pillar leaders for each of the Platform’s seven pillars of concentration were appointed through an open and transparent process. Pillar leaders have developed and initiated comprehensive work-plans aimed at lifting capability in the areas of target identification, payload design, formulation, pre-clinical efficacy, quality control, manufacturing and clinical testing.
• Fast Start projects aimed at rapidly building capability in RNA production were initiated. RNA to supply those projects has been produced and excellent progress made on each project.
• A centralised research-grade RNA/LNP manufacturing facility was established leveraging prior Government investment (Vaccine Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand (VAANZ) alongside institutional investment by VUW and the Malaghan. This facility is now supplying material to the fast start projects as well as to several projects external to the Platform.
• Dr Georgia Carson (Ngāti Whakaue) was engaged to ensure that Māori perspectives are integrated into effective and equitable RNA research. 

In summary, the RNA Platform, within its first year of operation, is well on its way to unite experts, resources, and innovation to drive RNA research, development and manufacture.