In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) has partnered with biotechnology giant Moderna to accelerate the development of mRNA-based medicines in Australia. This partnership, formalized through the MATE platform, aims to transform innovative research into viable preclinical drug candidates, marking a significant advancement in the field of RNA biology.
The collaboration between WEHI and Moderna is spearheaded by Dr. Vi, a researcher whose personal journey into biology was profoundly influenced by the loss of his mother to breast cancer. Driven by a desire to discover new treatments, Dr. Vi’s lab has made significant strides in RNA research, ultimately leading to the creation of the spin-out company, exteRNA.
From Personal Loss to Scientific Innovation
Dr. Vi’s passion for biology was ignited by the unknowns of the field, which stood in contrast to the more definitive answers offered by physics and mathematics. His mother’s battle with breast cancer further fueled his determination to find new ways to combat disease. “I wasn’t just interested in understanding biology for the sake of it – I was determined to find new ways to treat disease,” Dr. Vi explained.
His lab’s focus on RNA, a molecule crucial for cellular function, has led to significant discoveries. These breakthroughs caught the attention of Moderna, a company renowned for its pioneering work in mRNA technology. Although Moderna initially could not invest directly in exteRNA, the shared vision between Dr. Vi and Moderna’s representative, Kate, laid the groundwork for a fruitful partnership.
The Birth of the MATE Platform
The collaboration matured into the MATE platform, a pioneering initiative that provides WEHI researchers with access to Moderna’s cutting-edge technology. This platform is not merely about sharing tools; it embodies a mutual trust and shared vision aimed at accelerating the development of mRNA medicines that harness the immune system to fight disease.
“MATE is about sharing trust, expertise, and vision to transform and accelerate my team’s best ideas into viable preclinical mRNA drug candidates,” Dr. Vi stated. The partnership has transformed WEHI into a hub for mRNA research in Australia, providing unprecedented opportunities for dozens of researchers.
“Suddenly, we’re not struggling to pave the road ahead – we’re flying, with a Formula One team at our side,” Dr. Vi remarked, highlighting the transformative impact of the partnership.
Moderna’s Vision and Global Impact
Kate, who leads drug discovery at Moderna, shares a similar passion for turning scientific breakthroughs into real-world health solutions. Her journey into science began with a fascination for immunology, a field that intersects fundamental biology and human health. “Immunology offered this beautiful intersection of fundamental biology and human health – a playground for scientific discovery with real-world outcomes,” she said.
Moderna’s open approach to collaboration aims to empower researchers worldwide to explore the full potential of mRNA technology. The company’s commitment to addressing unmet medical needs is evident in its focus on autoimmune diseases like VEXAS syndrome, lupus, and scleroderma.
“Right now, we’re exploring autoimmune diseases that have high unmet needs – like the autoinflammatory disease VEXAS syndrome, lupus, primary biliary cholangitis, and scleroderma,” Kate noted. “VEXAS was only discovered in 2020. It is on the rise and has an extraordinarily urgent need with 50% of patients dying within five years.”
The Future of mRNA Research in Australia
The partnership between WEHI and Moderna exemplifies the power of collaboration in scientific research. By connecting the right people with the right tools and a shared vision, the partnership is poised to deliver significant advancements in mRNA drug discovery.
“Being brighter together means recognizing that science is borderless,” Dr. Vi emphasized. “You don’t have to be in Boston or Cambridge to do world-class work. When people believe in your ideas and back them with the resources to bring them to life – that’s when real breakthroughs happen.”
As the MATE platform continues to evolve, it promises to not only advance mRNA research in Australia but also contribute to global health outcomes. The collaboration between WEHI and Moderna stands as a testament to the potential of innovative partnerships in transforming the future of medicine.
