Victoria leads next-gen medical breakthroughs backed by mRNA fund

This targeted support strengthens Victoria’s world-class biomedical ecosystem, offering industry access to cutting-edge research, state-of-the art-facilities - such as those at the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, and a supportive policy environment.

Six Victorian research teams will share $1.7 million to accelerate new mRNA-based treatments for heart disease, Alzheimer's, and neurological and autoinflammatory diseases.

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health will receive more than $535,000 for two projects that  use mRNA technology to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s affects up to 42 million people globally, including 470,000 Australians — a number set to rise sharply without breakthrough treatments.

The University of Melbourne will receive more than $145,000 to design an antiviral drug that uses mRNA technology to stop multiple respiratory viruses. Local startup Zitra Medicines will receive more than $485,000 to tackle Sandhoff and Tay-Sachs diseases – a severe, genetic neurological disorder affecting children.

The Hudson Institute of Medical Research will use more than $130,000 to develop new mRNA-based treatments to tackle autoinflammatory disease, and a $395,000 grant will support RMIT University to develop targeted gene therapy treatment for atherosclerosis.

Through its grant programs, mRNA Victoria has provided $30.6 million to support 63 research projects since 2021 – unlocking medicines and vaccines and establishing a world-leading mRNA industry in Victoria.

BioNTech is establishing a mRNA manufacturing facility at La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus. Victoria is the only place in the world where both mRNA global leaders – Moderna and BioNTech – have chosen to establish research and development and manufacturing operations.

The Victorian Government is also supporting Victoria’s medical research institutes with more than $24 million invested in the Victorian Budget 2025/26 so they can continue generating lifesaving treatments.

The Victorian Government’s investment of more than $1 billion in health and medical research over the past decade continues to drive growth, create jobs and support research organisations to deliver incredible breakthrough treatments and care — opening up new opportunities for innovation and global impact.

Health technologies and medical research are identified as top priority areas in the Economic Growth Statement.

For a full list of the mRNA Victoria Research Acceleration Fund recipients, visit djsir.vic.gov.au/mrna-victoria/research.