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Expert unveils key review on SiRNAs as Antiviral Drugs in Antiviral Research
By Tosin Clegg
A major paper published in Antiviral Research examines the therapeutic potential and current challenges of using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) as antiviral drugs, with a significant contribution from Victor Baba Oti, a globally acclaimed researcher at Griffith University. Titled “SiRNAs as antiviral drugs: Current status, therapeutic potential and challenges,” the paper provides a crucial perspective on the RNA interference (RNAi) technology that forms the core of Oti’s research. The paper highlights the immense potential of this genetic-level therapy to combat a range of viral infections.
Oti’s research is centred on “Developing an intranasal multi-warhead RNAi therapy against emerging respiratory viruses,” making him an ideal contributor to this high-level discussion. His research highlights include developing a multi-warhead siRNA therapeutics and expertise in siRNA design, demonstrating his hands-on involvement with the technology discussed in the publication.
He is also scheduled to present his work on RNAi technology, showing “Promising Antiviral Activity against Respiratory Viruses of Pandemic Potential” at the Australian Society for Microbiology Meeting in 2025. The effective translation of siRNA from theory to drug requires mastery of molecular biology techniques, a competency Victor Oti has fully developed. His professional skills include expertise in PCR, RT-PCR, DNA, RNA and protein extraction, and the ability to design primers, oligonucleotides, and specifically, siRNA target sequences.
These are the fundamental tools needed to design, validate, and track the effectiveness of RNAi therapies. A significant challenge covered by the Antiviral Research paper is the need for effective delivery of the fragile RNA molecules, a challenge Oti is actively working to overcome. He is proficient in Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) synthesis, which are essential for protecting and transporting nucleic acid therapeutics to target cells. Oti’s research is focused on developing an optimized, sustained delivery system for his intranasal therapies, directly tackling the formulation challenges detailed in the paper.
His ability to troubleshoot and solve complex problems during laboratory work has allowed him to effectively optimize protocols, which were subsequently implemented by his research team. This practical problem-solving skill is critical when advancing a relatively new therapeutic modality like siRNA, which often requires significant protocol refinement.
Oti has a robust background in virology and infectious diseases, having worked on SARS-CoV-2, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and Influenza A Virus (IAV) in the lab. His current research encompasses these pathogens and how to develop a one-size-fits-all therapy against these respiratory viral infections. This breadth of experience allows him to provide a well-rounded perspective on the practical application of siRNA technology against different viral classes.
Before moving to Australia, Oti spent years as a Research Assistant and Support Teaching Staff, where he conducted projects on medical microbiology, including antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, Malaria, and viruses, and assisted students in their laboratory analysis. He was involved in co-supervising and proofreading undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations, further honing his critical review and analytical skills.
His extensive experience in academia includes roles as a Sessional Staff member at Griffith University, where he served as a Laboratory Demonstration staff and Workshop Tutor, explaining and demonstrating laboratory techniques. He also taught General Microbiology, Parasitology, Biostatistics, and Nutrition while serving as Support Teaching Staff in Nigeria.
Oti’s dedication to research excellence is evident in his publication record, which includes peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters on topics ranging from nanoparticles in HIV/AIDS therapy to Helicobacter pylori prevalence. His papers have been published in top-tier journals such as Scientific African and Frontiers in Public Health.
He is also highly active in the broader scientific community, serving in an Editorial role for Frontiers Journal of Public Health in 2025 and having served as a Peer reviewer for numerous journals since 2016, including Gastroenterology and Journal of Medical Microbiology. This peer review experience provides him with a strong understanding of what constitutes high-quality scientific evidence, benefiting his own published work.
Oti is currently a Fellow of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Future Leaders’ Mentorship Fellowship (FLMF) and a member of several other key scientific organizations, including the International Society for Antiviral Research (ISAR) and the Australasian Society of Virology (AVS). He attended the Australasian Virology Society Conference (AVS11) in 2022 and the Australasian Virology Society Online Symposium in 2023.
His work is supported by world leaders in gene therapy and virology, including Professor Nigel McMillan and Dr. Adi Idris, who are co-authors on several of his publications, indicating a strong collaborative research environment. His latest article in Antiviral Research solidifies Victor Oti’s position as a knowledgeable and active researcher at the forefront of the antiviral drug discovery landscape.
