Off Script Episode 3: The mRNA Revolution

Off Script is brought to you by the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics.

Episode Summary

mRNA technology isn't just about vaccines – it's a platform that could revolutionise pandemic therapeutics. Discover how Melbourne has become a global leader in mRNA research, from the government strategy positioning Victoria as a biotech powerhouse to the cutting-edge science happening in our labs. Learn how this technology works, why it was ready for COVID-19, and how it's being adapted to create the next generation of pandemic treatments.

What You'll Learn:

Platform technology power - Why mRNA is like "IKEA furniture" – modular components that can be quickly assembled to respond to different viruses

Melbourne's mRNA ecosystem - How Victoria's 25-year investment in medical research led to securing both Moderna and BioNTech manufacturing facilities.

The messenger explained - Understanding how mRNA works as nature's instruction manual, delivering recipes to cells to produce therapeutic proteins.

Beyond vaccines - How mRNA is being developed as a therapeutic for cancer treatment, HIV cure research, and respiratory pathogens.

Delivery innovation - The breakthrough research turning therapeutic mRNA into inhalable aerosols that target the lungs directly.

Investment pipeline - The complex journey from university discovery to patient treatment, and why platform technologies accelerate development.

Speed advantage - How mRNA can be designed and ordered online, enabling rapid response to future pandemic threats.

Featured Experts

Dr. Amanda Caples - Victoria's Lead Scientist and Chair of mRNA Victoria's Science Advisory Group, explaining how mRNA works and Victoria's strategic investment in the technology

Dr. Paula Cevaal - Doherty Institute researcher pioneering mRNA therapeutics, including revolutionary delivery methods that could transform pandemic response

Devon Sok - Head of Science at Global Health Investment Corporation, revealing the investment ecosystem that brings breakthrough technologies from lab to patient

What's Coming Next

Episode 4 explores how these breakthrough technologies can reach everyone, everywhere – especially in developing countries where health systems are most vulnerable. Discover the global collaboration needed to ensure pandemic therapeutics reach those who need them most.

Off Script is hosted by Dr. Matt Agnew and produced by the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics, part of the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity.

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