The Australian state of Victoria and South Korea are joining forces to enhance RNA and mRNA vaccine research capabilities. The partnership was formalised by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between mRNA Victoria and the South Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI). Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a molecule that plays an essential role in the function of genes. RNA technology underpins the development of new vaccine classes, including the provisionally approved mRNA COVID-19 shots by Pfizer and Moderna. mRNA based COVID-19 vaccines are designed to train cells to produce a protein unique to the virus, which triggers an immune response and prepares the immune system for exposure to the virus. The MOU will combine Victoria’s biotech research expertise with Korea’s specialist biomanufacturing capabilities. The agreement entails knowledge exchange between Victoria and South Korea and the development of relationships between government, industry and research organisations. Initiated by Austrade, the …