Bioxytran Partners with University of Georgia to Test Novel H5N1 Bird Flu Treatment
Key Insights
Bioxytran (search) has initiated a research collaboration with the University of Georgia to evaluate its lead drug candidate PHM23 (search) against the H5N1 (search) bird flu (search) virus as part of a $100 million grant program.
The company's novel galectin antagonist (search) PHM23 (search) targets viral replication by blocking spike proteins from attaching to host cells, with in vitro studies already demonstrating effectiveness against H5N1 (search)-similar viruses.
UGA selected PHM23 (search) for inclusion in its USDA grant submission to the $100 million HPAI (search) Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge, highlighting the scientific promise of this approach.
Bioxytran (search), Inc. (OTCQB: BIXT) has launched a research collaboration with the University of Georgia to evaluate its lead antiviral candidate PHM23 (search) against the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 (search) virus, marking a significant step toward developing alternatives to current bird flu (search) management strategies that rely on mass culling.
The clinical-stage biotechnology company announced the partnership as part of a $100 million grant initiative, formalizing a framework established through a Non-Disclosure Agreement signed in March 2025. The research will be conducted under the leadership of Dr. Daniela Rajao, DVM, MS, PhD, a virology and poultry medicine expert at UGA's College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health.
Novel Mechanism Targets Viral Replication
PHM23 (search) employs a distinctive mechanism of action that targets galectin proteins (search) critical to viral replication. The galectin antagonist (search) works by blocking viral spike proteins (search) from attaching to host cells, thereby neutralizing the virus and halting its spread. In vitro studies have already demonstrated the molecule's effectiveness against viruses similar to H5N1 (search), providing scientific foundation for the expanded research program.
"The initiation of this research with the University of Georgia, a world leader in poultry health, marks a significant milestone for Bioxytran (search)," said David Platt, CEO of Bioxytran, Inc. "The ongoing H5N1 (search) outbreaks present a urgent threat to the global food supply and economy, requiring immediate mass culling that results in billions of dollars in losses. We believe our galectin antagonist (search) technology offers a promising path forward—not just for containment, but for a humane and sustainable solution to protect animal health."
Academic Recognition and Grant Support
The collaboration has already gained significant academic recognition, with UGA selecting PHM23 (search) as one of a limited number of molecules featured in its grant submission to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's prestigious $100 million HPAI (search) Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge. This inclusion underscores the scientific promise of Bioxytran (search)'s galectin antagonist (search) platform in addressing agricultural challenges.
Current protocols for managing bird flu (search) outbreaks typically require culling entire flocks to prevent viral spread, resulting in devastating economic impacts on farmers and consumers. Bioxytran (search)'s approach could provide a more effective alternative by enabling rapid virus containment while mitigating economic losses.
Broader Therapeutic Platform
Beyond its H5N1 (search) application, Bioxytran (search)'s antiviral platform represents part of the company's broader focus on developing complex carbohydrate-based therapeutics. The company is addressing critical unmet medical needs across virology, cancer metastasis, and oxygen transport through its galectin antagonist (search) technology.
The company is actively pursuing additional partnerships with academic, industry, and government stakeholders to accelerate PHM23 (search)'s development and deployment in response to the urgent global need for effective bird flu (search) interventions.