RNA Australia Open for Business
NSW-based company RNA Australia has now officially launched, following the appointment of its board and the signing of an Operator Agreement with its key commercial partner.
RNA Australia is a joint venture representing NSW Government and NSW/ACT universities to lead the development of a robust RNA R&D ecosystem in NSW and oversee operation of the new RNA Research & Pilot Manufacturing Facility currently under construction at Macquarie University.
A Board has been appointed by the Electoral College to lead the company. The five independent directors are:
Mrs Susan Petrellis, Founder and Managing Director, Bounce Partners (Chair)
Emeritus Professor Alan Pettigrew, Fellow of Senate, the University of Sydney
Ms Petra Andrén, Former Head of Innovation Districts, Greater Cities Commission
Dr Phil Kearney, CEO of Axelia Oncology
Dr Elaine Stead, Principal at Main Sequence Ventures.
An Operator Agreement has been signed between RNA Australia and Aurora Biosynthetics, a subsidiary of Myeloid Therapeutics. Myeloid is a global leader in mRNA therapeutics, co-founded by its Australian CEO, Dr Daniel Getts.
Aurora Biosynthetics has announced the appointment of Steve Yatomi-Clarke as CEO. Mr Yatomi-Clarke is the current CEO of Prescient Therapeutics and will commence with Aurora Biosynthetics in February 2025.
The RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility is unique in Australia, and one of only a handful of facilities in the world, where a wide range of RNA therapeutics, vaccines and potential delivery technologies will be independently produced, providing NSW with scalable manufacturing opportunities that will bolster sovereign capability.
RNA Australia’s objective is to accelerate the translation of RNA R&D into commercial therapeutic products, services and expertise, including vaccine delivery, for both humans and animals. It will strengthen collaboration between universities, research organisations, industry, and investors to foster a thriving RNA ecosystem.
Further details on the RNA Australia Board can be found at the RNA Australia website.
RNA Australia Board Chair Mrs Susan Petrellis said: “I am delighted to lead RNA Australia as we work to build a world-class RNA ecosystem in NSW. With our new facility and strong partnerships, we aim to accelerate the development and delivery of innovative RNA therapies and vaccines for Australia and beyond.”
Myeloid CEO Dr Daniel Getts said: “Our partnership with RNA Australia and the NSW Government, through Aurora Biosynthetics, marks a significant step forward in our mission to advance RNA-based therapeutics. By combining our expertise in RNA immunotherapies with Aurora's state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities, we are poised to deliver innovative treatments more efficiently and at scale. This collaboration ensures that we remain at the forefront of RNA technology, transforming patient outcomes across Australia and globally.”
MEDIA
Bruce Ritchie | RNA Australia | 0429 412 426