Colossal Foundation joins fight against Tasmanian devil facial tumour

The partnership centers on the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, where Associate Professor Andrew Flies has developed a vaccine pipeline designed to train the devil's immune system to recognize and destroy tumor cells. By integrating Colossal’s expertise in marsupial husbandry and reproductive science, the collaborators aim to fast-track vaccine safety trials. Central to this effort is the fat-tailed dunnart, a small marsupial that will serve as a living model for testing, allowing researchers to refine gene-editing techniques before applying them to devils.

Beyond vaccination, the team is investigating the role of the LZTR1 gene, which is linked to tumor development. Scientists hypothesize that targeted edits to this gene could bolster natural resistance to the disease. By utilizing the same biotechnology platform originally built for thylacine de-extinction, the project marks a shift in focus toward protecting living species using cutting-edge genetic tools. The initiative has already garnered support from local conservation groups, including the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, as the state races to prevent the total loss of its most iconic scavenger.