RNA technology has reshaped modern medicine—enabling rapid breakthroughs in vaccine development and offering transformative potential for treating cancer, genetic and metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune conditions, and biosecurity threats across human and environmental health.
In response, New Zealand has established a national RNA technology platform: a flexible and evolving system that supports the full development lifecycle of RNA therapeutics. This includes project and payload design, high-quality RNA and LNP production, pre-clinical testing, and extends through to GMP manufacturing and clinical expertise. Each component integrates seamlessly, supporting continuous feedback and refinement throughout development.
A defining strength of the platform is its iterative structure. Researchers can enter at any stage, revisit earlier phases, and incorporate new insights as projects progress. This built-in adaptability allows the platform to respond quickly to emerging challenges and opportunities. Collaboration is at the heart of the platform. Strong partnerships with academia and industry ensure efficient transfer of protocols into GMP pipelines and support translation to the clinic. Nationally, the initiative is building a coordinated network of researchers and advanced facilities dedicated to RNA science, development, and production in Aotearoa.
Already, the platform has contributed to a wide range of research programs—from vaccines for COVID-19, influenza, and malaria to novel therapeutics involving Cas9 and other gene-editing technologies. In this presentation, we will outline the platform’s structure, evolution, and strategic goals, and invite collaboration from those interested in advancing RNA innovation.