Building New Zealand's RNA capabilities

Scientists had long been exploring RNA technology as a way to make vaccines before it had it’s breakout appearance during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Since then, interest in the potential uses of RNA to make vaccines and disease treatments has bloomed.

In late 2023 a government-funded platform began work to enhance New Zealand’s capacity to design and make RNA. Three years in, how is the platform going?

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Learn more:

• RNA interference (RNAi) technology is being investigated to help honey bees fight off the varroa mite.
• US based Dyne Therapeutics conducted a clinical trial study of their RNA-based therapeutic for myotonic dystrophy in New Zealand.
• Our Changing World covered how the new RNA vaccine tech works in 2021.
• Dr Lisa Connor spoke to RNZ’s health reporter Ruth Hill last August after the US made funding cuts to their RNA vaccine research.

Guests:

• Dr Lisa Connor, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research
• Dr Rebecca McKenzie, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details