Victoria University of Wellington and University of Auckland, in New Zealand (NZ) have been named as co-hosts of a government-funded Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) Development Platform.

The platform is supported by the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and the University of Otago, with Dr Kjesten Wiig of the Malaghan Institute and Professor John Fraser of the University of Auckland as the interim co-directors of the platform.

Initial funding of $500,000 is being provided to the RNA Development Platform to prepare a seven-year research plan. This plan will be supported by a further $69.5 million over seven years to support capacity and capability-building in the sector.

The platform will bring together RNA researchers from around the country.  The results will come from a partnership approach that sees some of New Zealand’s leading research institutes and companies working to a shared goal of building this important technology in New Zealand.

Interim co-director Dr Kjesten Wiig from the Malaghan Institute says RNA technology presents a significant opportunity for New Zealand to supercharge its thriving biotech sector and become a leader in the development of novel RNA therapeutics.