The proposal leverages a novel polymeric/protein nanoparticles (PNP) platform that will be used to deliver an episomal DNA, which consists of an episomal construct with a tetracycline inducer-promoter…

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency awarded Battelle Memorial Institute $999,996 on February 9, 2026, under the Scientific Research - Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction program (CFDA 12.351) to develop a polymeric/protein nanoparticles (PNP) platform for delivering episomal DNA constructs with tetracycline-inducible promoters to neuronal tissues. The recipient will synthesize neuron-targeted PNPs guided by a proprietary artificial intelligence/machine learning model that optimizes particle design based on target organ and diffusion requirements across neuronal tissues. The platform applies to therapeutic delivery across multiple biodefense scenarios, including exposure to viruses, toxins, and chemical threat agents. Battelle has demonstrated proof-of-concept data showing a strong safety profile, with the PNP formulation previously used in clinical trials. Performance occurs in Columbus, Ohio, through February 8, 2031. This is a Project Grant, fully funding the first clinical line item.

The proposal leverages a novel polymeric/protein nanoparticles (PNP) platform that will be used to deliver an episomal DNA, which consists of an episomal construct with a tetracycline inducer-promoter (TRE). Synthesis of pnps that target the neuron will be guided by a novel AI/ML model that optimizes PNP synthesis based on the target organ and/or particle sizes needed to diffuse across neuronal tissues. Not only is the platform innovative, but the AI/ML model and patented method for synthesis of pnps is unique to the offeror. The use of pnps as a drug delivery system can be applied to a wide range of applications including delivery of therapeutics to target organs when the warfighter is exposed to various biothreats including viruses, toxins, chemical threat agents, etc. The proposed platform has strong proof-of-concept data with pnps showing a strong safety profile and have been used in clinical trials.