RNA Blueprint to position the nation as a ‘go to’ regional partner

Biotech News: Australia’s RNA Blueprint to guide advanced manufacturing growth was released by Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler and Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon Ed Husic MP.

It’s been estimated that the RNA sector could add up to $8 billion to Australia’s GDP over the next 10 years. The Blueprint backs in Australia’s medical industry capability to make more medical products here, create highly skilled well-paid jobs, and support better healthcare for Australians.

Developed in response to the Government’s ‘Shaping our RNA Future’ consultation, the Blueprint builds on the release earlier this year of the Government’s Medical Science Co-investment Plan.

Minister Husic stated, “We recognise the lessons learned during the pandemic, with the need to build and develop more things here continuing to be a cornerstone of our nation’s continued growth and prosperity.

“We’re backing a strong medical manufacturing sector because making more things here means creating more jobs. Our nation’s health and medical research is already ranked seventh in the world and we’re ensuring our RNA sector continues to have the right settings in place, growing Australia’s manufacturing capability and positioning us as a ‘go to’ regional partner.”

AusBiotech welcomed the RNA Blueprint, saying “There’s no doubt that advanced therapies developed using RNA-based technologies are at the forefront of Australia’s therapeutic revolution in medicine. Immunogenicity, capacity for rapid development and safe administration, when compared to conventional platforms such as small molecules and proteins, mean they hold great promise for new therapies and new standards of care.

“We’re proud that a number of our members are already engaging in home grown RNA research and development right here in Australia.”

Minister Butler emphasised, “Australia has some of the best medical researchers in the world. We need to utilise our talented medical researchers and grow a medical manufacturing industry that will be world leading, keeping more of our investment and development in Australia.”

The Blueprint will help leverage $1.5 billion targeted towards medical science through the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund (NRF).

“We are also pleased to see Australia’s Cell & Gene Catalyst, a joint venture between AusBiotech and Medicines Australia, recognised for its potential as a strategic partner to bring the ecosystem together, and collaborate for impact by enabling connection and collaboration at the national level.

“The Catalyst aims to accelerate the development, manufacture and commercialisation of cell and gene therapies, including RNA, to foster a prosperous cell and gene industry in Australia,” AusBiotech added.

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