The consortium, called BRIDGE (Bringing RNA Innovations through the Developmental Gap Effectively), is an academic industry partnership, bringing together the Kirby Institute, Medicines Development for Global Health, Scientia Clinical Trial Research, the Garvan Institute for Medical Research, UNSW RNA Institute, along with community representatives on the Clinical Development Advisory Committee.
The BRIDGE Program is led by Kirby Institute Director Scientia Professor Anthony Kelleher. This Program is supported by Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
What is BRIDGE?
BRIDGE is a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing the health and wellbeing of Australians. Our focus is on accelerating the development of mRNA-based vaccines and RNA-based treatments to address COVID19 and other health challenges in Australia. We're dedicated to enhancing Australia's clinical research and development infrastructure to make this possible. The program builds upon existing infrastructure and developmental expertise to create a streamlined commercial development pathway for RNA molecules.
Invitation for Expression of Interest: candidate molecules
The BRIDGE consortium is extending an invitation for expressions of interest (EOI) pertaining to RNA-based candidates with the potential to significantly contribute to the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the treatment of COVID-19. Candidates targeting other therapeutic areas (infection, inflammation, and oncology) will also be considered.
Upon selection of an RNA-based candidate, the BRIDGE consortium will propose a collaborative agreement with the researchers for developing a commercialisation plan for the candidate molecule. The BRIDGE team will offer drug development expertise and support (including but not limited to funding, personnel, expert network access and other relevant aid) to collaboratively advance the development of the selected candidate towards clinical trials. Please note that the BRIDGE program will not be acting as a grant-providing body but rather be looking to form a partnership with the researchers to develop the candidate molecule in collaboration with the BRIDGE program.
What we offer
- Scientific expertise
- Development support
- Funding support
- RNA manufacturing guidance and support
- Regulatory approval expertise
- Clinical trials
- Assistance in commercialisation
Suitability of candidates
Candidates must be RNA-based.
COVID19 is the preferred therapeutic area; however, candidates for other therapeutic areas (infection, inflammation, and oncology) will also be considered.
Candidates should have demonstrated proof-of-principle in vitro and in vivo (animal studies) at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 or higher.
We are open to candidates at various stages post-TRL3, provided they exhibit a high likelihood of therapeutic potential and merit further investigation for clinical development.
How to apply
To submit your EOI, please complete the BRIDGE preliminary EOI submission form.
Instructions for application form completion:
- Please provide a brief high-level summary of your candidate and its applications. Limit your responses to 300 words for each response.
- Do not share any proprietary data in this application.
- Applicants that are selected to progress further into the application process, will be requested to sign a confidentiality agreement before exchange of detailed information (including proprietary information).
Questions or queries can be directed to BRIDGE@kirby.unsw.edu.au
For more detailed information about the BRIDGE program, please visit the Kirby Institute BRIDGE project page.
Application deadline:
Rolling deadline. Applications will be considered as received.