Malaghan CAR T programme wins KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Award

The Malaghan Institute’s Clinical Director Professor Robert Weinkove, who leads the CAR T-cell programme, says the award recognises excellence in taking research beyond the laboratory to create real impact for New Zealanders. 

Professor Rob Weinkove

“We’re thrilled to receive this award – it’s a testament to the huge amount of work that has gone into research, manufacturing and delivering on our phase 1 and phase 2 CAR T-cell clinical trials. This is a national effort that extends beyond the Malaghan Institute to include BioOra, the New Zealand Blood Service and Health New Zealand. Thanks to everyone involved in the programme, to our donors, and most of all to the clinical trial participants and their families.”

The KiwiNet Awards judges praised the team’s sophisticated commercialisation process, which included multiple firsts for New Zealand and positions Aotearoa at the forefront of CAR-T cell innovation.

The accolade recognises the Malaghan’s bold and innovative approach to making next-generation cancer treatment accessible in New Zealand. 

Faced with global barriers of cost and complexity, the team established Wellington Zhaotai Therapies to co-develop a locally viable CAR T solution, created GMP-compliant local manufacturing, and set up all regulatory and clinical trial infrastructure from scratch.

By undertaking the phase 1 ENABLE trial, which completed enrolment in 2023, the Malaghan Institute was able to secure more than $10 million in philanthropic donations towards a phase 2 trial and established BioOra Limited, a commercial spinout to automate and scale up manufacture and distribution of CAR T-cell therapies, placing New Zealand at the forefront of next-generation cell therapies. 

Judge Melissa Yiannoutsos says the 2025 KiwiNet Awards winners show the remarkable depth and breadth of innovation across the country.  

“Judging wasn’t easy – every finalist stood out for their vision, passion, and leadership. It was amazing to see how they are not only delivering real-world impact, but also inspiring others and helping embed a culture of entrepreneurship within our research system. Our nation’s researchers and entrepreneurs are earning recognition akin to our sports champions, both driving pride and progress and showing that innovation is fast becoming part of our Kiwi identity.  We’re building on years of research momentum to grow a thriving innovation sector to drive even greater impacts into the future.”