PRESS RELEASE: Local BioTech Southern RNA to manufacture World-First mRNA Paediatric Brain Cancer Vaccine

Southern RNA to manufacture World-First Personalised Pediatric mRNA Cancer Vaccine

Landmark Australian study opens new possibilities for children with aggressive brain tumors and signals opportunity for local Biomanufacturer Southern RNA to provide Sovereign manufacturing capability.
Brisbane, Australia — February 23, 2026

Southern RNA, a Australian Contract Development Manufacturing Organisation, focussing on clinical-stage mRNA treatments, is supporting a world-first clinical trial evaluating personalised mRNA cancer vaccines for children with advanced and treatment-resistant brain tumors.

The PaedNEO-VAX trial, funded by Canadian Organisation Providence therapeutics, in combination with the Australian Government and a host of philanthropic donors, is the first multi-site pediatric study to test individualised mRNA vaccines designed specifically for each child’s cancer.

The trial is co-led by The University of Queensland and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and will begin in March 2026 across eight pediatric hospitals in Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia. It is sponsored by the Australia & New Zealand Children’s Haematology and Oncology Group (ANZCHOG).

Southern RNA will leverage its proprietary mRNA vaccine platform and GMP manufacturing expertise to support the creation of personalised vaccines tailored to each patient’s tumor biology. Made in Australia.

A New Frontier for Pediatric Brain Cancer
PaedNEO-VAX is open to children and adolescents with relapsed or refractory high-grade brain tumors, including high-grade glioma, diffuse midline glioma, medulloblastoma, and ependymoma.

Phase I will establish safety and optimal dosing, while Phase II will evaluate clinical outcomes such as disease progression, survival, and quality of life for patients and families.

Using genome sequencing and advanced data analysis, tumor-specific targets will be identified for each child. Customised mRNA vaccines will then be manufactured locally in Australia by Southern RNA, with an expected turnaround of approximately 10 weeks from enrollment to dosing.

“Advancing A better Future for Australians”
Southern RNA was created in response to Australia’s need for Soverign mRNA manufacturing capabilities post COVID-19. “In 2022, we created Southern RNA to be ready for the next pandemic“ said Chris Peck, Founder and Managing Director. “In early 2023, it became clear that messernger RNA (mRNA) had such amazing potential for other treatments beyond COVID, particularily for personalised treatment for unmet medical needs such as Cancer. We want to see this capability available for Reasearchers and Therapeutic Organisations to bring thier innovations into Clinical Trials, safely, quickly and cost effictively.

“This trial embodies our mantra of ‘Advancing a Better Health for Australian’s’ “. After more than a three years of scientific setup and R&D, Southern RNA is honoured to be a part of helping bring hope to families facing devastating diagnoses. We are proud to support this world-first pediatric trial here in Australia and hopeful it will pave the way for similar initiatives throughout the world.”

About Southern RNA:
Southern RNA is an Australian biotechnology company focused on the development, process optimisation, and GMP manufacturing of RNA-based therapeutics, with a strong emphasis on mRNA vaccines and personalised medicines. The organisation supports partners across the full translation pathway from early research and construct design through to clinical-grade production helping bridge the gap between discovery and patient-ready products.

For more information visit www.southernrna.com.au