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June 13, 2022
Two Monash University projects using mRNA delivery to improve treatments for people with muscular dystrophy or metabolic liver disease in infants have received more than $ 360,000 through the mRNA Research Acceleration Fund Victoria.
The grants are part of a $ 2 million grant announced by Victoria’s Minister of Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy, Jaala Pulford.
Professor Dean of the Monash School of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (MNHS) Christina Mitchell, Dr. Meagan McGrath and Professor Colin Pouton of the Monash Institute for Pharmaceutical Studies have received $ 266,000 to research the development of a nanoparticle RNA delivery system based on lipopeptides for treatment. of muscular dystrophy or acquired musculoskeletal disorders.
The research, in collaboration with Alfred Health, will include preclinical testing and, if successful, will allow the team to seek industry support to advance the new treatment in clinical trials to potentially improve the health outcomes of children born with muscular dystrophy, a disease that affects 1 in 20,000 children.
Professor Mitchell said she was delighted to receive a Victoria mRNA Research Acceleration Fellowship.
“This award is not only further proof of Monash University’s strong commitment to RNA and mRNA research, but it is also a recognition by Victoria mRNA that this is an area of “Research that will be very beneficial to human health, in a wide range of medical applications and diseases,” he said.
Professor Pouton has also received $ 99,000 for ongoing research with the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) to combine the delivery of mRNA with the delivery of viral genes to treat metabolic liver disease in infants and children by editing genes in vivo.
He said it was an exciting time for mRNA technology and its potential to transcend a wide range of medical applications.
“This grant will allow the two groups to combine mRNA and gene editing experience to develop a technology platform for gene correction with broad therapeutic applicability and a universal therapeutic approach for the treatment of over-the-counter infants and children,” he said. say Professor Pouton.
Monash is home to Australia’s largest network of RNA and mRNA researchers.
The Victoria Acceleration Fund mRNA is Australia’s largest mRNA research grant fund, which aims to support bold new ideas that will increase Victoria’s RNA research, development and manufacturing capabilities. contributing to a viable, self-sufficient end-to-end ecosystem. to produce world-leading RNA-based medical products.
About Monash University
Monash University is the largest university in Australia with over 80,000 students. In the 60 years since its founding, it has developed a world-leading high-impact research reputation, quality teaching and inspiring innovation.
With four campuses in Australia and a presence in Malaysia, China, India, Indonesia and Italy, it is one of the most internationalized Australian universities.
As a leading university in international medical research with Australia’s largest medical school and integration with Australia’s leading teaching hospitals, we consistently rank among the top 50 universities in the world in clinical, preclinical and health sciences.
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