Victoria is cementing its position as a global hub for next-generation vaccines and advanced therapeutics, creating strong pathways for industry collaboration and investment.
Through the mRNA Victoria Research Acceleration Fund, the Victorian Government is backing leading research organisations to develop life-changing medical breakthroughs with the potential to save millions of lives worldwide.
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.
Explore Victoria’s R&D capabilities and collaboration opportunities.
