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Episode Description
Scientists had long been exploring RNA technology as a way to make vaccines before it had it’s breakout appearance during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, interest in the potential uses of RNA to make vaccines and disease treatments has bloomed. In late 2023 a government-funded platform began work to enhance New Zealand’s capacity to design and make RNA. Three years in, how is the platform going?
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Learn more:
- RNA interference (RNAi) technology is being investigated to help honey bees fight off the varroa mite.
- US based Dyne Therapeutics conducted a clinical trial study of their RNA-based therapeutic for myotonic dystrophy in New Zealand.
- Our Changing World covered how the new RNA vaccine tech works in 2021.
- Dr Lisa Connor spoke to RNZ’s health reporter Ruth Hill last August after the US made funding cuts to their RNA vaccine research.
Guests:
- Dr Lisa Connor, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research
- Dr Rebecca McKenzie, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research