On Jan. 14, 2025, The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded up to $11.9 million to Oregon State University (OSU) to invent new drug delivery technologies for protecting members of the military from a range of health threats in combat areas.

The award comes from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) through its Hermes program, whose goal is finding new ways to deliver therapeutic agents throughout the body with exceptional efficiency and minimal toxicity. In Greek mythology, Hermes is the messenger of the gods and the protector of travelers.

Lipids are organic compounds containing fatty tails and are found in many natural oils and waxes, and nanoparticles are tiny pieces of material ranging in size from one- to 100-billionths of a meter. Lipid nanoparticles carrying messenger RNA is the technology underpinning coronavirus vaccines.

The team will work on developing novel platforms and formulations capable of encapsulating large, complex biologics; understanding, monitoring and minimizing unwanted immune system responses; and ensuring the therapeutic cargo within the nanoparticles reaches the part of the cell where it can perform its intended function.

The hope is to be able to deliver the nanoparticles via inhalation or subcutaneous injection and provide protection against infectious diseases as well as ionizing radiation and chemical and biological threats.