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It has been an incredibly busy few months for the RNA Platform as we continue to build momentum across various initiatives. Most of the Fast Start projects funded by the Platform are now well underway, demonstrating exciting progress in RNA research and innovation. At the same time, the development of the first Pillar Plans has taken shape, and we are currently in the process of reviewing and refining these critical frameworks to ensure they align with our long-term objectives.


We have held productive meetings with both our Steering and Oversight Groups, and successfully completed the first set of reporting for the Ministry. These milestones mark important steps in our journey toward building a robust RNA ecosystem in New Zealand.


Looking ahead, the coming months will see us finalizing contracts for the Pillar Plans and begin defining the process we will use to identify core Flagship projects for the Platform. Additionally, we are delighted to report that our central facilities in Wellington are already producing and sending encapsulated RNA products to our partners, a significant achievement for the Platform. We are also excited to host an event in November—more details on that below!

Manufacturing facility

From left, Dr. Sarah Draper and Dr. Rebecca McKenzie

The RNA Production Facility is now fully operational and has begun supporting critical research efforts across the country. Managed by our experienced Production Leads, Dr. Rebecca McKenzie and Dr. Sarah Draper. The facility is well positioned as a central hub for RNA technology that will produce research-grade RNA, encapsulated where required, enabling research and development across the country, while simultaneously advancing the development and refinement of manufacturing techniques for various RNA products.


Currently, the facility's team is focused on producing messenger RNA (mRNA) and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), which are encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to ensure optimal delivery for research applications. The first 50 samples have already been distributed to several Fast Start projects funded by the Platform, providing a crucial resource for early-stage research.


As more research projects are initiated, the facility aims to expand its capabilities. Our goal is to equip the central facility with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle a broader range of RNA modalities, supporting researchers across the motu in advancing RNA-based technologies.

RNA Symposium

In mid-November, we are thrilled to host several international experts from our Scientific Advisory Group and Steering Group. As part of this, we’re taking the opportunity to create a forum for engagement and discussion on the current state of RNA research and innovation, as well as the progress of the RNA Platform itself.


The first RNA Platform Symposium will be held on the 14th of November at the Majestic Centre in Wellington. This free event will feature presentations from our Platform team alongside international speakers, offering a deep dive into the latest developments and challenges in the RNA space. For those who can't attend in person, the event will also be live-streamed via Zoom. A detailed programme will be up on our RNA Platform website soon.  


Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to register as soon as possible to secure your place at this exciting event. Don’t miss the chance to engage with global leaders and learn about cutting-edge advancements in RNA technology.