RNA Interference (RNAi)
RNA interference (RNAi) employs small interfering RNAs to selectively degrade messenger RNA, reducing expression of disease-driving genes. RNAi enables precision modulation of pathogens, immune signaling, and wound biology and can be formulated for local or systemic delivery in austere and combat environments.
Technical Challenges
Safe, efficient delivery of RNAi agents to target cells in wounded tissue, lung, or CNS under constrained resources.
Stability and storage: ensuring cold-chain–independent formulations suitable for prolonged field care and forward deployment.
Off-target effects, immunogenicity, and dose-dependent toxicity in polytrauma or sepsis patients.
Rapid design and deployment against evolving pathogens and antimicrobial-resistant organisms.
Emerging Opportunities
Robust, room-temperature-stable delivery platforms that preserve potency for field-ready kits.
Validated animal-to-human translational models for trauma, biofilm infections, and blast-induced neuroinflammation.
Point-of-care diagnostics to identify actionable gene targets and guide RNAi selection in real time.
Manufacturing surge capacity and regulatory pathways for emergency military use and rapid clinical translation.
Current and Emerging Technologies in RNA Interference (RNAi)
siRNA Therapeutics & Target Design
Rationally designed siRNAs and RNAi libraries targeting virulence factors, inflammatory mediators (e.g., TNF, IL-6), or bacterial persistence genes enable precision modulation of disease pathways.
Delivery Platforms: Lipid Nanoparticles, Conjugates, and Hydrogels
LNPs, GalNAc and peptide conjugates, inhalable aerosols, and local depot hydrogels address tissue targeting, uptake, and sustained release for pulmonary, wound, or systemic applications.
Chemical Modifications & Formulation Stability
2’-O-methylation, phosphorothioate backbones, and novel excipient matrices improve nuclease resistance, reduce immunogenicity, and enable lyophilized or ambient-stable formulations.
Targeted Delivery & Controlled Release Systems
Antibody- or ligand-directed carriers, implantable depots, and responsive nanoparticles allow site-specific gene silencing to minimize systemic exposure in polytrauma or infection.
Integrated Diagnostics and Rapid Design Pipelines
Point-of-care nucleic acid diagnostics, bioinformatic target selection, and rapid synthesis platforms support agile RNAi countermeasure development for outbreaks or theater-specific threats.
Importance to Military Medicine
Combat Casualty Care and Inflammation Control
RNAi can selectively suppress hyperinflammatory signaling after blast or hemorrhagic shock, reducing secondary tissue injury and improving stabilization during delayed evacuation.
Prolonged Field Care and Localized Therapy
Stable, deployable RNAi formulations for wound infection, lung injury, or hemorrhage can extend therapeutic windows when surgical or critical care resources are limited.
Countering Infectious Threats and AMR
Gene silencing of virulence or resistance determinants offers an adjunct to antibiotics and a rapid-response option against engineered or emerging pathogens.
Readiness and Force Health Protection
Prophylactic or early-intervention RNAi strategies can preserve troop readiness during outbreaks and reduce evacuation burdens during large-scale incidents.
Alignment with the MTEC Mission
Enables rapid translational pipelines from concept to theater-ready countermeasures—aligned with MTEC’s mission to accelerate military medical innovations.
Supports force health protection priorities (infectious disease, trauma, prolonged care) across distributed and austere operational environments.
Promotes public–private partnerships for manufacturing scale-up, regulatory pathways, and dual-use benefits consistent with the MTEC consortium model.
Dual-Use (Military + Civilian) Applications
Therapeutics: adjuncts or alternatives to antibiotics for resistant infections and biofilms in both military and civilian trauma care.
Prophylaxis and outbreak response: rapid-design RNAi countermeasures for novel or engineered pathogens affecting deployed forces and communities.
Regenerative and wound care: localized gene silencing to control scarring, fibrosis, or chronic infection in austere surgical settings.
Diagnostics-driven precision medicine: integrated platforms that link point-of-care testing to tailored RNAi interventions for timely, mission-focused treatment.
Explore MTEC Members with RNA Interference (RNAi) Capabilities
MTEC members bring multidisciplinary strengths—RNA biology, nanoparticle engineering, clinical trial networks, and GMP manufacturing—to accelerate RNAi solutions from bench to battlefield.
Together, consortium partners can de-risk preclinical validation, advance regulatory strategies for military use, and scale ambient-stable formulations for forward deployment. Explore member profiles to identify collaborators with capabilities in target discovery, delivery platforms, and clinical translation.
83 Members with RNA Interference (RNAi) capabilities.
The University of Texas System is a leading public university system in the United States, dedicated to improving lives through education, health care, and research. With over 256,000 students enrolled across 14 institutions, the UT System is committed to providing affordable access to higher education and producing a skilled workforce to drive Texas's economy.
Georgia Southern University is a vibrant institution with over 26,100 students across three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, and Hinesville. The university offers 132 degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels, emphasizing student success, community impact, and research excellence. With a commitment to inclusivity and engagement, Georgia Southern fosters a supportive environment for diverse learners, including military-affiliated and adult students. The university is dedicated to transforming lives through education and community engagement, aligning its programs with regional needs. Additionally, Georgia Southern provides accelerated pathways for students to fast-track their master's degrees, enhancing educational opportunities. The university also emphasizes career readiness and public impact research, preparing students for successful careers and contributing to community development.
Humanetics Corporation is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, focused on developing and commercializing products to enhance human health and wellbeing. Founded in 1988, the company specializes in radiation modulators, adjunctive oncology therapies, and pulmonary protective therapies, particularly for COVID-19. Humanetics is known for its lead drug candidate, BIO 300, which is being developed as a radioprotectant for military and civilian use, as well as a treatment to improve outcomes in cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. The company is actively engaged in research programs for non-small cell lung cancer, prostate cancer, and head and neck cancers.
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research, teaching, and community engagement. As a premier public research university, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a catalyst for socioeconomic development, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
Auburn University Research & Economic Development is dedicated to advancing research and economic growth through a collaborative effort among its various colleges and departments. The organization focuses on fostering innovation, supporting faculty and student research, and facilitating partnerships with industry and government to address societal challenges and enhance the quality of life. Recent initiatives include the launch of the Team Science Series to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of the Gulf Coast Engineering Research Station to address coastal environmental challenges.
The Institute for Integrative & Innovative Research (I³R) at the University of Arkansas is dedicated to pioneering solutions to wicked problems and societal challenges through convergence research. With a mission to advance research excellence and stimulate economic development, I³R focuses on deploying innovations at scale through collaboration across various sectors, including academia, industry, and government.
UTMB is dedicated to supporting research, education, and scholarly endeavors, with a focus on creating the future of healthcare through innovative research and community engagement.
Revolution Biomanufacturing Inc. (RBIx) is expanding beyond traditional CDMO Process/Analytical Development and Manufacturing services to pioneer distributed molecular manufacturing. A new class of digital biomanufacturing that enables the autonomous design, manufacture, quality verification, and deployment of Nucleic Acid therapeutics and molecular diagnostics at the point of need. By integrating AI-driven sequence optimization, enzymatic nucleic acid synthesis, Nanoparticle design and manufacturing (LNP & EV), closed-loop quality control, and field-deployable manufacturing platforms, RBIx is creating adaptive biological infrastructure capable of responding to emerging diseases, national security threats, and personalized medicine with unprecedented speed and flexibility.
The University of Chicago is a prestigious urban research university committed to rigorous inquiry and intellectual freedom. Founded in 1890, it has produced numerous Nobel laureates and is known for its transformative education and groundbreaking research across various fields. The university fosters an inclusive and diverse learning environment, encouraging participation from all community members.
Boston University is a major research institution committed to leading breakthroughs across various disciplines. The Office of Research supports and advances research excellence, fostering collaboration among researchers, industry partners, and government leaders to address significant societal challenges.
Cooper University Health Care is a regional academic health system recognized for comprehensive clinical services, advanced multidisciplinary care, specialized surgery, and robust research in South Jersey. It provides integrated healthcare across general and specialty domains, including cancer, neurosciences, cardiology, trauma, genetics, addiction medicine, and complex surgical procedures, supported by leading technologies and a network of modern facilities.
Baylor University is a preeminent Christian research university committed to addressing the world's most meaningful challenges through top-tier research and scholarship. Recognized as an R1 research institution, Baylor focuses on infusing its distinct Christian mission into its research initiatives, fostering a commitment to excellence and innovation.
Base Pair Biotechnologies specializes in custom aptamer discovery and development for research, diagnostics, therapeutics, and industrial applications. The company leverages proprietary multiplex selection, advanced bioinformatics, and chemical modification techniques to develop high-affinity and selective nucleic acid aptamers. Base Pair enables affinity reagent development, biosensor design, and molecular detection for a broad range of targets and partners across academia and industry.
The Nanovaccine Institute, established at Iowa State University in 2017, is a national transdisciplinary research consortium focused on advancing nano-based technologies to treat and prevent diseases. The institute aims to revolutionize public health outcomes through the design and promotion of nano-based vaccines and therapeutics.
The UT Arlington Research Institute (UTARI) specializes in applying cutting-edge technologies to real-world engineering problems. Our collaborative endeavors reflect a commitment to excellence, integrity, and respect for all, bringing economic growth and fulfillment to our families, business partners, university, and community.
Smith+Nephew is a portfolio medical technology company focused on the repair, regeneration, and replacement of soft and hard tissue. The company aims to restore people's bodies and their self-belief by using technology to take the limits off living. With a commitment to medical education and improving patient outcomes, Smith+Nephew operates in over 100 countries and is dedicated to sustainability and community health. Their purpose is to promote health and wellbeing, not just through their products but also by ensuring a positive impact on society and the environment. Smith+Nephew is also committed to increasing diversity within the medical device industry through initiatives like the Orthopaedics for All global advisory board.

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