{"links":{"self":"http://dataportal.arc.gov.au/NCGP/API/grants/FT250100341"},"data":{"type":"grant-details","id":"FT250100341","attributes":{"code":"FT250100341","administering-organisation":"The University of Queensland","announcement-administering-organisation":"The University of Queensland","scheme-name":"ARC Future Fellowships","grant-status":"Active","funding-commencement-year":2025,"years-funded":4,"project-start-date":"2026-01-01","anticipated-end-date":"2029-12-31","grant-summary":"Reversible shielding to enhance mRNA manufacture and delivery. The manufacture of mRNA is a global priority, and rapid expansion of the mRNA industry has been enabled by advances in high-quality mRNA manufacture. However, current manufacturing methods produce mRNA that has low stability and poor delivery performance. This project aims to address these limitations by developing a new class of ultra-stable “cloaked” mRNAs (cmRNAs). Expected outcomes include cmRNAs with an improved synthetic workflow and precision control of cloaking. This synthetic strategy has the potential to transform the manufacture of mRNAs, increasing performance, stability and decreasing costs. The targeted delivery capability of the developed cmRNAs will also significantly expand the scope of applications of mRNA products. ","funding-current":1156271.00,"funding-at-announcement":1131800,"investigators-current":[{"title":"A/Prof","firstName":"Seth","familyName":"Cheetham","roleName":"Future Fellowship","roleCode":"FT","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0001-6428-3175 "}],"investigators-at-announcement":[{"title":"A/Prof","firstName":"Seth","familyName":"Cheetham","roleName":"Future Fellowship","roleCode":"FT","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0001-6428-3175 "}],"organisations-current":[{"organisationName":"The University of Queensland","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"QLD"}],"organisations-at-announcement":[{"organisationName":"The University of Queensland","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"QLD"}],"field-of-research":[{"isPrimary":true,"code":"3106","name":"Industrial Biotechnology","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"310606","name":"Industrial Molecular Engineering of Nucleic Acids and Proteins","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"310607","name":"Nanobiotechnology","type":"FOR20"}],"socio-economic-objective":[{"code":"249999","name":"Other Manufacturing Not Elsewhere Classified","type":"SEO20"}],"international-collaboration":[],"lief-register":[],"achievement-summary":null,"national-interest-test-statement":"The manufacture of mRNA is a global priority. Despite the success of COVID19 mRNA vaccines, the uptake and applications of mRNA technology are currently limited by low stability. Due to its rapid degradation during manufacture, in storage and inside cells, mRNA is expensive to make, must be maintained at a low temperature and cannot remain intact in the body for more than a few days. This project seeks to overcome these issues by developing “cloaked” mRNA, in which mRNA is shielded from degradation until needed.  Cloaking has the potential to significantly improve mRNA manufacturing and storage properties by reducing in-progress degradation and enabling extended storage at ambient temperatures. \n\nThis project has the potential to deliver commercial and economic gains to Australia. This cutting-edge mRNA platform positions Australia as a leader in the rapidly expanding global Biomanufacturing market. Reduced reliance on cold-chain storage will improve the global reach of mRNA products and improve the cost-effectiveness of mRNA by decreasing storage and transportation costs. Notably Australian state and federal governments have made large investments to make Australia an mRNA manufacturing hub. Investment in sovereign manufacturing capabilities will also bolster resilience to global supply chain disruptions. Developing the cloaking technology in collaboration with global biotech firms will also generate additional revenue streams and strengthen Australia’s innovation sector."}}}