Australia invests $3.6m to develop newborn screening platform

The new platform is set to undergo a 12-month research trial.

Australia has invested approximately $3.6m (A$5.5m) for researchers at the University of New South Wales to establish a platform for newborn screening.

Through the funding, the platform will undergo a 12-month research trial and is set to screen 24 genetic conditions in Queensland's newborns.

This includes illnesses such as biotinidase deficiency, haemophilia, cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy and severe combined immunodeficiency.

According to the government, this initiative aims to shorten diagnosis timeframes to deliver urgent care for infants and promote early intervention.

A$1 = $0.66