Programmable RNA solutions for agriculture and beyond
One platform. Endless targets.
We are building a programmable RNA platform whose targets can be redefined by design — opening possibilities far beyond pest control, from crop protection to plant quality, animal health and post-harvest preservation. Fast to develop, and gentle on the environment.
Supported by Japan’s SBIR (Bio-oriented Technology Research Advancement Institution, BRAIN) · Phase 1 (2026–2027)Designed for precision, built for breadth
Three capabilities make RNA a uniquely flexible foundation for next-generation crop and animal protection.
High specificity
The active ingredient is RNA — a naturally occurring biomolecule. It can be designed to act only on the chosen target’s chosen gene, leaving no chemical residue behind.
SAFE-seq · sequence design
A proprietary algorithm that maintains insecticidal efficacy while minimizing off-target risk — so the same platform can be pointed at new targets with confidence.
SENTINEL · delivery
A proprietary nanocapsule that protects the RNA and delivers it efficiently into target cells, enabling effective dosing in real-world conditions.
How RNA interference works
Introduced double-stranded RNA harnesses a natural cellular pathway to switch off a single, specific gene in the target organism — without any change to its DNA.
Introduce dsRNA
A designed double-stranded RNA is delivered into the target organism’s cells.
Target mRNA is degraded
The cell’s RNAi machinery recognizes and breaks down the matching messenger RNA.
Target protein is suppressed
Production of the specific target protein stops, disabling the chosen biological function.
Safe & effective sequence design
Our design approach maintains insecticidal efficacy while avoiding off-target effects. Because targets can be flexibly defined, a new agent can be developed simply by changing the sequence.
Protected, targeted delivery
A proprietary protein-based nanocapsule protects the dsRNA and improves cellular uptake — addressing one of the central challenges of bringing RNA agents into the field.
Why RNA?
| Conventional chemical pesticide | RNA pesticide (our approach) | |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of action | Broad chemical activity | Sequence-specific gene silencing (RNAi) |
| Specificity | Can affect non-target organisms | Designed for high specificity to the target |
| Residue | May persist in the environment | RNA is a natural biomolecule and degrades |
| Resistance management | Resistance can build over time | Multiple target sequences can be combined |
| Genetic modification | — | No DNA introduction or genome editing |
One platform, many possibilities
Because the platform is reprogrammable, its potential reaches well beyond a single use. These are directions we believe RNA technology could open up.
Crop protection
Selective control of pests and mites without chemical residue.
Resistance management
Combining multiple target sequences to help slow the development of resistance.
Plant quality & resilience
Modulating gene expression for quality, nutrition, or tolerance to stress such as heat.
Post-harvest & storage
Extending shelf life and reducing post-harvest loss across the value chain.
Animal health
Addressing parasites and pathogens in livestock and animal husbandry.
Pollinator protection
Safeguarding bees and the pollination services agriculture depends on.
These represent the breadth of what the platform could enable; specific programs are pursued step by step. See our current lead program below.
Our lead program
RNA pesticide for the Varroa mite (Varroa destructor)
Climate change is expanding pest ranges and accelerating resistance. Varroa mites cause devastating damage to honeybee colonies, affecting both beekeeping and the pollination of crops such as strawberries and melons.
Status: we have identified dsRNA sequences with a mite-specific lethal effect and confirmed strong activity with SAFE-seq-designed sequences. A nanocapsule delivery system is in development.
Beyond this lead program, the same platform can be redirected to many other targets — see Applications for the broader possibilities we are exploring.
This research was supported by Startup Supporting Program (funding agency: Bio-oriented Technology Research Advancement Institution (BRAIN)) under Grant Number JPJ010717.
Latest from BioInsight
Agri-business fair 2025
We presented our RNA pesticide platform at the agri-business creation fair. A recap video and poster are shared here.
More updates — program milestones, exhibitions and press — will be posted in this section.
BioInsight Co., Ltd.
A bioscience company rooted in bioinformatics, building a programmable RNA platform for agriculture and beyond.
- Business
- RNA pesticide development · data analysis · DNA analysis services
- Location
- 513-1 Omaru, Inagi City, Tokyo, Japan
- Corporate
- bioinsight.co.jp
Let’s talk
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