Centenary Institute and Cure the Future join forces to tackle rare diseases

The collaboration will see the Foundation support the development of advanced gene and cell therapies at the Centenary Institute, uniting scientific expertise with a shared commitment to improving human health.

Funds raised by Cure The Future will support pioneering research led by Dr Charles (Chuck) Bailey and his team at the Centenary Institute’s Centre for Rare Diseases & Gene Therapy. Their work is focused on using advanced molecular therapies to treat a range of serious rare diseases. These include severe genetic disorders such as Pompe disease and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, autoimmune diseases and rare cancers like mesothelioma.

“Gene therapy has the potential to transform medicine by addressing disease at its source,” said Dr Bailey. “By repairing or modifying genes within cells, we’re developing more precise and effective treatments that go beyond symptom management.”

“Ultimately, our goal is to deliver lasting cures by targeting the underlying causes of disease,” he said.

Professor Marc Pellegrini, Executive Director of the Centenary Institute, said the partnership is a powerful alignment of research and philanthropy.

“This collaboration brings together cutting-edge science with a shared mission to tackle some of the most challenging rare genetic diseases and cancers,” Professor Pellegrini said.

“With the support of the Cure The Future Foundation, we can advance discoveries that have the potential to redefine what’s possible in genetic medicine and transform lives for the better.”

He added, “We’re incredibly grateful to the Foundation for their belief in our work and their commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients affected by serious disease.”

Diane Langmack OAM, Board Chair of Cure The Future Foundation, said she was proud to be partnering with the Centenary Institute to advance urgently needed research.

“This partnership is a really special moment for us. Working with the Centenary Institute means we’re helping push forward the kind of research that changes lives. It brings real hope to families facing serious illness and helps fast-track the discoveries that can make all the difference,” she said.

“At Cure The Future Foundation, we’re proud to back brilliant minds driving life-changing research. This partnership shows the incredible impact we can have when people unite with purpose, because the true strength of humanity lies in working together.”

The partnership has just been officially launched, reinforcing both organisations’ shared commitment to advancing world-leading medical research that delivers both hope and better health outcomes for people affected by rare diseases.

The Hon. Sophie Cotsis, MP; Professor Marc Pellegrini, Executive Director of the Centenary Institute; Diane Langmack OAM, Board Chair of Cure The Future Foundation; and Julia Finn, MP at the official launch of the Centenary Institute and Cure the Future Foundation partnership.

Dr Jessamy Tiffen, Acting Deputy Director at the Centenary Institute, shares insights into her life-saving melanoma research at the official partnership launch event.