Experts call for Australian mission on RNA innovation

National “roundtable” meeting calls for RNA development capacity and clinical trials support

Australia should adopt a “mission” to develop its research and manufacturing capabilities around RNA (ribonucleic acid) and its potential for technologies, a national working group has said.

RNA is a naturally occurring genetic material with a growing list of technological applications. For example, one form of RNA provided the basis for Covid-19 vaccines developed by pharmaceutical companies including BioNTech and Moderna.