The New Zealand RNA platform, based at the Malaghan Institute, is developing domestic capacity for mRNA technology through a $69.5 million government-funded initiative. The project aims to build a “lab to jab” pipeline, moving from research-grade RNA to clinical-grade vaccines and therapies for diseases like influenza and staphylococcus aureus.
Why is mRNA technology faster than traditional vaccines?
Traditional vaccine development often follows a slow trajectory. Using deactivated whole viruses or specific virus protein parts, these methods can take years or even decades to move from research to the public. The process requires extensive research, development, animal testing, and rigorous human clinical trials to ensure safety and efficacy.
Messenger RNA (mRNA) changes this timeline by working differently. Instead of injecting a lab-made virus protein, mRNA provides the body’s cells with instructions. These instructions tell the cell’s own protein factories to produce a specific viral protein, which then triggers an immune response. According to Dr. Lisa Connor of the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, this approach allows for a much faster research process, especially when combined with AI advances in understanding protein structures.
The speed of this technology was demonstrated during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine was developed, tested, and approved within just 11 months across 2020. This was achieved through global scientific collaboration, massive research funding, and the inherent efficiency of the mRNA mechanism.
Unlike traditional vaccines that introduce a piece of the virus into your body, mRNA acts like a digital instruction manual, teaching your cells how to build the protein needed to recognize the virus.
What are the main research priorities for the RNA platform?
The New Zealand RNA platform is organized around seven different pillars designed to bridge the gap between a scientific idea and a working therapy. Dr. Rebecca McKenzie, the RNA production team leader, states that the primary goal is to build an RNA pipeline that can take a product all the way from research to the clinic.
Currently, the platform is driving three “flagship” projects to test this pipeline:
- Staphylococcus aureus: Developing a vaccine against this bacterium, which causes a high volume of infections in New Zealand.
- Bovine viral diarrhoea: Targeting this specific animal health concern.
- Influenza: A project led by Dr. Lisa Connor that uses AI technology to hunt for vital, unchanging parts of the influenza virus to create more effective vaccines.
Dr. Connor also leads the pre-clinical testing pillar. This involves using human or animal cell models in a lab setting to ensure candidate vaccines are prompting the correct response from immune cells before they ever reach human trials.
How is New Zealand bridging the gap to clinical production?
There is a significant technical hurdle between making “research-grade” RNA and “clinical-grade” RNA. While research-grade RNA is used for initial studies, anything intended for human testing requires much higher levels of regulation, quality control, and cleanliness.
To solve this, the platform is sharing its methods with South Pacific Sera, a company based in Timaru. This partnership is intended to enable a smooth transition from the lab to clinical-grade production. Dr. McKenzie’s production team, located at the Victoria University of Wellington Kelburn campus, has already seen significant momentum. Since beginning in late December 2023, the team has produced over 600 products, passing the 500-product milestone in April of this year.
Building a domestic RNA pipeline reduces reliance on overseas companies that often only produce generic molecules, allowing New Zealand researchers to create bespoke RNA for specific local needs.
What is the future of RNA technology beyond vaccines?
While vaccines are the immediate focus, the potential applications for RNA technology are vast. Researchers at the Malaghan Institute are already investigating how RNA can be used to help the immune system identify cancer cells more effectively. Additionally, therapies using shorter pieces of RNA to change gene expression are already undergoing clinical trials for disease treatment.
The scope of this technology even extends beyond human medicine. Current research is exploring RNA applications for use in plants, animals, and insects, which could have significant implications for agriculture and environmental science.
With seven years of funding secured, the platform is in a critical establishment phase. While New Zealand may not be ready to produce vaccines for a sudden pandemic tomorrow, the infrastructure being built serves as a springboard for long-term scientific independence and global participation in the RNA vaccine market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the New Zealand RNA platform?
The goal is to create a “lab to jab” pipeline that moves RNA products from the research stage to clinical-grade production for use in humans.
How much funding has the government provided for this initiative?
The New Zealand government has committed $69.5 million to increase the country’s capacity in RNA technology.
Can RNA technology be used for things other than vaccines?
Yes. It is being researched for cancer immunotherapy, gene expression therapies, and applications in agriculture involving plants and animals.
Is New Zealand currently capable of responding to a new pandemic with mRNA vaccines?
The platform is still in its building phase. While not ready for immediate mass production, the seven-year funding period is designed to build the necessary capacity and coordination.
What do you think about the future of domestic vaccine production?
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