In a groundbreaking move, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) has formed a pioneering partnership with the biotechnology company Moderna to propel the development of mRNA-based medicines tailored for autoimmune diseases. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Australia, where WEHI researchers will gain exclusive access to Moderna’s cutting-edge platform technology, aimed at expediting the exploration of potential mRNA therapies that leverage the immune system to combat autoimmune conditions.
Autoimmune diseases, which impact approximately one in ten individuals and stand as a leading cause of mortality among women under 65 in affluent nations, encompass around 80 known conditions with no current cure. Recognizing this pressing medical challenge, WEHI’s Director, Professor Ken Smith, expressed enthusiasm about how this collaboration could revolutionize medical research through shared resources and expertise. He highlighted the transformative potential of mRNA medicines and the prospect of developing novel treatments to enhance the well-being of millions affected by autoimmune diseases.
The partnership will see WEHI’s autoimmune specialists collaborating closely with Moderna’s team focused on immune therapeutics, fostering a synergy of knowledge exchange and receiving crucial preclinical research support. Dr. Kate Jeffrey, Moderna’s Vice President and Global Head of Immune Therapeutics and Genomic Sciences, emphasized their dedication to maximizing the impact of mRNA technology in patient care. By joining forces with WEHI, a leading Australian research institution, Moderna aims to integrate its mRNA expertise with WEHI’s research capabilities to redefine therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
The initiative, dubbed MATE (mRNA for Autoimmune Therapeutics of Excellence), represents the first program of its kind in Australia, tailored exclusively for WEHI. Through MATE, WEHI scientists can harness Moderna’s mRNA platform – a versatile research tool – to propel autoimmune research endeavors. Leveraging Moderna’s extensive experience in mRNA technology, particularly renowned for its mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine, this collaboration seeks to advance the understanding and application of mRNA science to positively impact the lives of the 1.4 million Australians grappling with autoimmune ailments.
The program’s primary objectives include developing treatments for autoimmune conditions with substantial unmet needs such as Graves’, lupus, coeliac disease, and inflammatory bowel diseases, as well as severe allergies. Additionally, it aims to explore innovative strategies to train the body’s immune defenses, teaching the immune system to tolerate specific triggers, and unravel new insights into immune system functionality to devise long-lasting treatments using mRNA technology.
By combining the expertise of WEHI and Moderna, this partnership holds the promise of revolutionizing the landscape of autoimmune disease treatment and paving the way for novel therapeutic approaches that could significantly benefit individuals grappling with these challenging health conditions.
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