When the NZ RNA Platform announced its first two flagship projects in October this year, UniServices was proud to see they included the mRNA vaccine, under development at the University of Auckland, that targets Staphylococcus aureus (staph), one of New Zealand’s most serious infection threats. The project will be co-led by Dr Fiona Radcliff and Associate Professor Nikki Moreland.
UniServices has supported this project since its earliest stages, helping to turn world-class science into a globally relevant innovation. Our Strategic Growth and Investment teams, alongside University of Auckland Contracts Managers, have been instrumental in shaping the RNA Platform’s collaboration frameworks and managing its intellectual property.
Through this support, the staph vaccine project successfully navigated a rigorous selection process that assessed scientific strength, commercial potential, and clinical feasibility, ultimately earning its place as one of the Platform’s flagship projects.
“The selection reflects both the strength of the science and the careful work that has gone into preparing for its future development,” says Kerryn Kilkenny, Director Partnerships & Innovation at UniServices.
The staph vaccine builds on the global Wellcome Leap R3 (RNA Readiness + Response) programme, an ambitious US$60 million initiative that UniServices helped bring to Aotearoa through a project led by Professor John Fraser. R3 aimed to transform how RNA medicines are designed and manufactured for rapid pandemic response.
With new NZ RNA Platform funding, the team is now progressing the vaccine towards clinical development, using mRNA to train the immune system to block the proteins that allow staph to evade our defences. Early results are promising, showing strong immune responses in lab studies.
“By connecting government and industry with the University’s research expertise, we’re helping ensure innovations like this vaccine are developed in ways that truly meet New Zealand’s health priorities,” says Kerryn.
About the NZ RNA Platform
The NZ RNA Platform was established in 2023 through long-term government investment in the Strategic Science Investment Fund. It brings together leading scientists to build Aotearoa New Zealand’s capability across the full RNA innovation pipeline, from design and manufacture to testing and clinical application, accelerating research that has both global impact and national benefit.
