mRNA Victoria is supporting researchers at the Burnet Institute to develop new mRNA treatments and vaccines Dr Annemarie Laumaea is developing new mRNA-based antibody technologies for mucosal pathogens which could fast track new therapeutics for pathogens of pandemic potential, particularly for immunocompromised individuals Dr Liriye Kurtovic is developing new longer lasting mRNA-based vaccines to combat global health challenges like malaria These projects are part of 15 research projects sharing $2.1 million in support from Round 3 of the mRNA Victoria Research Acceleration Fund #research #innovation #mRNA
Congratulations to Burnet senior research officers Dr Annemarie Laumaea (PhD) and Dr Liriye Kurtovic for receiving the mRNA Victoria Research Acceleration Fund grants! More than 15 Victorian research teams will share $2.1 million from the Victorian Government to advance next-generation mRNA #vaccines and therapeutics that will save lives. Dr Laumaea's grant will support novel #mRNA-based antibody technologies for mucosal pathogens. She highlighted that antibody-based therapeutics are crucial interventions, particularly for immunocompromised individuals who cannot develop effective immunity through vaccination. “New, emerging and neglected pathogens of pandemic potential need rapidly deployable solutions, especially when vaccines have not yet been developed," she said. “We’re developing a platform technology that can quickly create mucosal antibodies to protect mucosal surfaces against transmission thereby preventing subsequent infection.” Dr Kurtovic’s grant will support the development of potent and long-lasting mRNA vaccines to combat global health challenges. “The grant will help us find new ways to make vaccines for malaria and other diseases last longer using mRNA technology," she said. "Longer-lasting vaccines mean fewer booster shots, which can be hard to provide, especially in places with limited resources.” mRNA Victoria