Posted: 27 November 2024
Moderna, Inc (NASDAQ: MRNA), today announced the awardees of its 2024 Australia Fellowship Program. The program, in its second year, is dedicated to developing the country’s world-leading health and medical research sector in mRNA medicine and supporting Australian scientists with an interest in advancing mRNA innovation.
The awardees, announced last night at the annual Advances in mRNA Science (AIMS) meeting in Melbourne, are Dr. Ernest Moles from the Children’s Cancer Institute and Dr. Felix Rizzuto from UNSW Sydney (UNSW).
Dr. Moles’ research focuses on developing a new RNA-based therapy to treat aggressive brain cancers called high-grade gliomas (HGGs). These cancers are difficult to treat due to their rapid growth and the challenges of delivering current treatments to the brain. Dr. Moles aims to use cutting-edge mRNA technology to create specialised immune cells (CAR T cells) inside the body to target and destroy cancer cells. This approach could offer the potential for a more efficient, better tolerated, and cost-effective treatment option for patients, with the aim of improving survival and quality of life.
Dr. Rizzuto’s research focuses on enhancing RNA therapies, including vaccines, by optimising RNA delivery within cells to improve therapeutic outcomes. His project is focussed on the development of structures that create pores in cell compartments, allowing more RNA to reach ribosomes and be translated into the target proteins. This innovative approach aims to significantly enhance the delivery of RNA therapeutics, reducing production costs and improving the efficiency of vaccines and treatments for a range of diseases, including cancer.
The Moderna Australia Fellowship Program, is an all-inclusive learning and development opportunity, with training and education covering areas essential for mRNA medicine R&D. As well as a grant of up to $250,000 per year for two years, each awardee will receive expert mentorship, experiential learning, and collaboration with Moderna’s world-leading R&D teams to support the recipient’s industry capabilities. Curricula will include regulatory, translational, and pharmaceutical sciences, R&D life cycle, project management, and communication and leadership skills to round out individual effectiveness. This learning program will be delivered via experiential learning, online courses from Moderna University, and periodic meetings at the Regional Research Centre for Respiratory Medicines and Tropical Diseases in Melbourne.
“It is a pleasure to welcome Dr. Moles and Dr. Rizzuto to the Moderna Australia Fellowship Program. Their work reflects the calibre of scientific expertise in Australia, driving forward the potential of mRNA science to address some of the world’s most challenging health issues,” said Michael Azrak, General Manager of Moderna Australia & New Zealand.
“Australia’s thriving research ecosystem plays a critical role in advancing medical science on a global scale. We are proud to collaborate with Australian researchers to drive innovation. Together, we are creating opportunities for cutting-edge research that not only strengthens the local scientific community but also looks to bring potentially transformative healthcare solutions to patients around the world,” said Dr. Craig Rayner, Director of the Regional Research Centre for Respiratory Medicines and Tropical Diseases.
The announcement of the 2024 Moderna Australia Fellowship Program awardees follows the first anniversary of the Regional Research Centre for Respiratory Medicines and Tropical Diseases in August.
