Features

03.20.2025

Employee Spotlight! CAMRIS MSAT Scientist Ramesh Marasini

We recently spoke with CAMRIS team member Ramesh Marasini, a Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) Scientist supporting the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research’s Pilot Bioproduction Facility (PBF) in Silver Spring, MD. In this interview, Ramesh discusses his role, how PBF advances military medicine, what sparked his interest in biologics and vaccine development, and how his efforts impact public health and national security, among other topics.

CAMRIS: Please describe your role at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) Pilot Bioproduction Facility (PBF) and how PBF advances military medicine.

Ramesh: As an MSAT mRNA Scientist and Project Lead for HIV mRNA manufacturing, my primary role is to oversee the capability development, scale-up, and production of HIV mRNA vaccine drug candidates for Phase I clinical trials. This involves optimizing the in vitro transcription process- a cell-free biochemical reaction producing mRNA, purification, and encapsulation into lipid nanoparticles (LNP) to ensure stability, potency, and manufacturability. I also contribute as a subject matter expert (SME) in characterization and assay development while working with the Quality Control (QC) team and technical document writing and reviewing in cross-functional teams. Additionally, I support new project development with the Business Development team through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA) for business partnerships with government agencies and private partners by offering our expertise and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) capacity to translate their technologies.

At PBF, we bring innovative vaccine modalities, including mRNA technology in-house, to advance military medicine by developing cutting-edge vaccines and biologics that protect service members and the broader public from infectious diseases. Our cGMP facility bridges early-stage research into clinical manufacturing, supporting broader initiatives from the Department of Defense (DOD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies. My work directly contributes to national security and global health preparedness by driving vaccine innovations against emerging and persistent infectious diseases.

CAMRIS: What drove your career interest in biologics and vaccine development, particularly in mRNA and DNA sciences, and how have your experiences prepared you for your current role?

Ramesh: My passion for vaccine development stems from my graduate school research on nanoparticle-based drug-delivery technologies for nucleic acids, peptides, and proteins. During my fellowship in stem cell technology for regenerative medicine at Johns Hopkins Medicine, I explored the transformative therapeutic applications of biologics. The Federal Drug Administration’s approval of ONPATTRO^®, the first RNA-based drug utilizing lipid nanoparticles (LNP) technology, further solidified my interest in translating nucleic acid-based therapies into real-world applications.

Throughout my career, I have worked extensively on mRNA production, LNP formulation, and optimizing scalable mRNA-LNP vaccine platforms for indications including SARS-CoV-2, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), and cancer. My PhD in Organic Chemistry and the hands-on experience previously I have had in mRNA-LNP drug product development, including development, optimization, scaleup, and their biophysical characterization using state-of-the-art bioanalytical techniques, equip me for my role at WRAIR. Additionally, mentoring junior scientists and collaborating with immunologists, process engineers, and regulatory teams have strengthened my leadership and cross-functional expertise.

CAMRIS: What about research and process development at PBF excites you about your work?

Ramesh: One of the most exciting aspects of working at PBF is directly translating cutting-edge mRNA vaccine research into clinical-grade products. Tackling the challenges of scaling up mRNA-LNP vaccine production while ensuring high integrity, encapsulation efficiency, stability, yield, and potency is intellectually stimulating and rewarding.

I thrive in an interdisciplinary environment that merges biochemistry, formulation science, process engineering, and regulatory compliance. Collaborating with leading experts in HIV vaccine development from the Military HIV Research Program (MHRP), WRAIR, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Duke University, and the University of Pennsylvania allows me to contribute to projects with real-world impact. Expanding mRNA vaccine platforms to malaria, dengue, and cancer further reinforces the importance of this work.

CAMRIS: What excites you most about your opportunities over the next few years at WRAIR?

Ramesh: Looking ahead, I am particularly excited about the expanding mRNA vaccine platform beyond infectious diseases to cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and rare diseases. The HIV mRNA-LNP vaccine project represents a groundbreaking approach to a long-standing public health challenge, and I look forward to advancing its development.

Another key opportunity lies in optimizing mRNA sequences, the LNP delivery system, and adjuvant strategies to enhance durability, targeted immune responses, thermostability, and scalable production. Innovations in self-amplifying mRNA, next-generation LNP formulations, and novel adjuvants, including ALFQ, will be critical to improving vaccine efficacy and accessibility.

Additionally, I aim to strengthen collaborations with government agencies, academia, and industry alike to accelerate clinical translation and regulatory approval of novel vaccine candidates. As the only DOD GMP production facility, enhancing PBF’s capabilities will position us as a leader in military and global vaccine development, especially for future pandemic preparedness.

CAMRIS: Your work plays a critical role in public health and national security. How does that impact your perspective or approach to your responsibilities?

Ramesh: Understanding the direct impact of my work on public health and national security instills a deep sense of responsibility and urgency in everything I do. Developing life-saving vaccines for military personnel, healthcare workers, and vulnerable populations worldwide reinforces the importance of scientific rigor, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Because infectious diseases evolve unpredictably, I take a proactive approach to optimizing manufacturing processes, anticipating challenges, and regulatory readiness. My small role involves strategic decision-making that can accelerate rapid mRNA vaccine production at unprecedented speed while maintaining the highest safety and efficacy standards. Additionally, I recognize that mRNA vaccine technology is a transformational shift in combating emerging pathogens. This motivates me to stay at the forefront of innovation, continuously improving vaccine platforms for scalability, affordability, and global accessibility.

CAMRIS: What defines you when you are not advancing vaccine projects?

Ramesh: Outside my professional role, I am driven by a passion for learning, mentorship, and global health advocacy. I stay engaged with scientific literature, emerging biotech trends, and advancements in biomedical innovations. Beyond science, I find fulfillment in mentoring young scientists and sharing my knowledge with aspiring professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). On a personal level, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, exploring different cultures, and outdoor activities. Whether it’s hiking, reading, or community outreach programs, I strive to balance my professional pursuits with activities that inspire and recharge me.

CAMRIS: Is there anything else you want to mention about your work or efforts to help produce vaccines and biologics for infectious disease threats?

Ramesh: One of the most exciting aspects of mRNA technology is its unparalleled speed and flexibility in responding to global health threats. The rapid success of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines has made us realize the platform’s potential to address persistent and emerging diseases, including HIV, malaria, influenza, and dengue. At WRAIR, our efforts to advance HIV mRNA-LNP vaccines with adjuvants represent a major step toward tackling a long-standing global health challenge. Collaboration is key—by partnering with industry, academia, and government agencies, we can accelerate the translation of discoveries into real-world solutions that protect both military personnel and the global community.

Ultimately, my goal is to drive innovation in vaccine development while ensuring accessibility and scalability. Eradicating global health threats requires collective effort, and I am proud to be part of a team dedicated to making a lasting difference.