IR-SNAs comprised of (Au-SNA or L-SNA) and TLR9 antagonist oligonucleotides (4084 F) and displayed 8-fold increases in potency and 30% more diminution in fibrosis score in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) bearing mice. The gene discussed is TLR9; the disease is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.