The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS) welcomes the Australian Government’s significant investment and strategic commitment to advancing the nation’s ribonucleic acid (RNA) sector.

The investment aligns with the Academy’s vision of leveraging cutting-edge RNA technologies to enhance human health and drive economic growth, outlined in our response to the Department of Industry, Science and Resources consultation Understanding our RNA potential discussion paper.

The government’s RNA Blueprint recognises the transformative potential of RNA science and technologies. This initiative is poised to position Australia as a global leader in RNA-based therapeutics and vaccines, fostering innovation and economic resilience.

Professor Louise Baur, Academy President said:

“This is a strategic leap forward. The government’s commitment to developing the RNA sector is a monumental step towards revolutionising healthcare. By harnessing our existing strengths and addressing the critical gaps in research, infrastructure and funding, we can ensure that Australia remains at the forefront of medical innovation.”

The Academy’s recent submission, “Understanding our RNA Potential,” outlines key areas where strategic investments can yield significant health benefits. RNA technologies hold promise for a range of applications, including vaccines for infectious diseases, treatments for liver diseases, rare diseases, and various cancers.

“Our roundtable discussions highlighted the vast potential of RNA technologies to address pressing health challenges. However, realising this potential requires overcoming several barriers, such as high research costs, limited funding, and slow regulatory processes,” said Khaled Chakli, Interim CEO of the Academy.

“The RNA revolution will sit at the intersect of health, and science, but its success will hinge on our translation and commercialisation capabilities, and on our ability to fully leverage other government initiatives.

“The blueprint would be enhanced by becoming integrated with the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC), the federal government’s Digital Health Blueprint, and through concerted efforts to build the RNA industry-academia interface,” said Mr Chakli.

“The Academy stands ready to provide expert advice and support to drive this initiative forward. Together, we can unlock the full potential of RNA technologies to improve health outcomes for all Australians,” said Professor Baur.

For more information, please contact: [email protected]