mRNA Victoria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi on behalf of the Victorian Government. The MoU will advance cooperation between the two countries in establishing their respective mRNA industries.

"This is an exciting partnership that we are confident will deliver positive outcomes for both Victoria and Abu Dhabi," said Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC, who is currently in the UAE to promote Victoria's relationship with the UAE and the Middle East and North Africa region.

"It's also a relationship with a lot of possibilities for investment in our research centres, as well as adding value in clinical trials and production." The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has endorsed this MoU, which will be a beneficial cooperation for Victoria's developing RNA ecosystem."

mRNA Victoria is in charge of leading the Victorian Government's commitment to establish an Asia-Pacific hub for the development of the mRNA and RNA manufacturing sector in Australia, by assisting with pre-clinical and clinical medical research, commercialization, clinical trials, supply chain development, and clinical and commercial manufacturing.

Its mission is to identify important competencies, gaps, and opportunities, as well as to lead the Victorian Government's engagement, investment, and partnerships with domestic and international firms, researchers, and stakeholders in order to develop RNA capability.

The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a partnership between Victoria and Abu Dhabi that will further cooperative RNA research and encourage investment in manufacturing capability. The Memorandum of Understanding is the first step towards a collaboration to foster the growth of RNA ecosystems in Victoria and Abu Dhabi.