Partnership to Develop mRNA Therapies for Autoimmune Diseases

The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) and biotechnology company Moderna have formed an exclusive partnership to develop messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapies for autoimmune diseases. The collaboration includes the launch of MATE (mRNA for Autoimmune Therapeutics of Excellence), a first-of-its-kind pilot program in Australia dedicated to advancing mRNA treatments for conditions such as lupus, Graves’ disease, and coeliac disease.

Through this initiative, WEHI researchers will gain access to Moderna’s cutting-edge mRNA technology, enabling the development of more precise treatments. Unlike traditional immunosuppressants, which broadly dampen immune activity, mRNA-based therapies have the potential to fine-tune immune responses, reducing harmful autoimmune activity while preserving overall immune function.

As the only research institution in Australia participating in this exclusive program, WEHI is at the forefront of exploring how mRNA medicine could transform the treatment of autoimmune diseases. By combining WEHI’s expertise in immunology with Moderna’s advancements in RNA therapeutics, the MATE program aims to address a significant unmet need in autoimmune disease management.