Australia unveils ACTION centre for children with rare diseases

The new facility is set to focus on delivering advanced therapies with a $267,100 (A$400,000) investment.

Australia has launched the Queensland Children’s Hospital’s Advanced Therapies and Clinical Trials InnovatiON (ACTION) centre for children with rare diseases and complex illnesses.

With a $267,100 (A$400,000) investment by the Children’s Hospital Foundation, stage one of the new centre will build capacity and capability to support the delivery of advanced therapies such as gene therapy, cell therapy, and tissue engineering.

Moreover, the centre aims to increase the number and range of clinical trials available in the state and attract research partnerships outside Australia.

“Medicines and translational research are advancing at a rapid pace,” Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, said.

“The new ACTION Centre will enable the Queensland Children’s Hospital to accelerate key research programs and stay at the forefront of pioneering paediatric healthcare, nationally and internationally,” Miles added.

A$1 = $0.67