Biotech startup Intelligene Inc., dedicated to the development of innovative RNA-based therapeutics, announced on the 18th that it has officially entered into a collaboration with the Kirby Institute, a globally renowned research institution leading Australia’s BRIDGE Program—a national initiative focused on nucleic acid drug research and development. Through this partnership, Intelligene will co-develop RNA-based therapeutics and receive up to AUD 5 million (approximately NT$100 million) in research funding and resources from the BRIDGE Program.
Intelligene stated that the BRIDGE Program is an Australian government-funded initiative managed by the Kirby Institute at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney. Following months of rigorous evaluation and selection, Intelligene, a company founded less than two years ago, has been chosen as the first industry partner to receive funding and support. This partnership leverages Australia’s growing RNA ecosystem, integrating resources from industry, government, academia, and research institutions to accelerate the development of RNA-based gene therapies, addressing global health threats such as COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
The collaboration will focus on Intelligene’s lead siRNA-based therapy, IG-001, which is being developed for the treatment of COVID-19. By partnering with the Kirby Institute and utilizing the BRIDGE Program’s resources, the company aims to expedite IG-001’s clinical trials and commercialization. The Australian government expects this initiative to enhance global competitiveness in the RNA-based therapeutics market, while also strengthening Intelligene’s position as a key player in the field.
According to the agreement, Intelligene will receive AUD 5 million in funding over the next three years from Australia’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), as part of the BRIDGE Program. In addition, the company will benefit from advisory support and technical assistance from the Kirby Institute’s chief scientists and industry experts. This collaboration will help Intelligene lead the clinical and preclinical development of IG-001, optimize manufacturing processes, and establish regulatory strategies, ultimately accelerating the commercialization of IG-001.
Jerry Huang, Chairman of Intelligene, stated, “We are honored to be the first company selected for the BRIDGE Program, a recognition of Intelligene’s technical expertise and leadership in RNA-based drug development. We look forward to collaborating with the Kirby Institute to bring groundbreaking research to the global stage and address critical healthcare challenges.”
Patty Sung, CEO of Intelligene, added, “The Kirby Institute is renowned for its world-class research and clinical expertise, with strong international recognition. Through the BRIDGE Program, we will gain invaluable resources, and we are confident in the future of Intelligene’s RNA therapeutics platform.”
Phase I clinical trials for IG-001 are scheduled to begin this year. Given that Australia offers attractive financial incentives and a streamlined regulatory process for clinical trials, Intelligene plans to conduct its Phase I trials in Australia, maximizing funding efficiency and accelerating the drug development timeline.
Additionally, to support its long-term growth, Intelligene is preparing for an IPO, with plans to go public and list on the Emerging Stock Board (ESB) in the first half of this year, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion and development.
Resource: 智新與澳洲研究機構合作開發核酸新藥 將獲1億元贊助
