RNAgri

RNAgri is developing technology for production of dsRNA which is used in topical RNAi applications and can be used by large commercial players who are developing uses for RNAi. Initial applications for RNAi will likely be for insect, virus and disease control but could eventually include topical application to crops that would provide trait like characteristics without genetic modification. RNAi is extremely specific and can provide very selective insect control without potential for off target effects; this opens up potential for removing harmful insects while retaining beneficial insects as well as biological diversity. Farmers will be interested because topical RNAi is a safe and environmentally sustainable technology. Big acre agriculture will require large quantities of RNA, even at doses of 1-5 grams per acre. Cost and purity are big factors. RNAgri production technology is scalable and uses traditional large scale fermentation production that has been used routinely to produce metric tons of proteins. RNAgri technology allows the use of these proven industrial scale fermentations to manufacture metric tons levels of RNA. RNAgri technology can provide pure RNA at less than $1.00 per gram. RNAgri is also developing environmentally benign and safe RNAi products for urban and structural pest control. The agricultural traits and urban and structural pest control businesses provide enormous value to society and generate billions of dollars in revenue for global agricultural companies. RNAi based products will provide complements and replacements for many current technologies and thus create enormous value for agricultural companies and society at large.