Bioxytran Inc. announced that its antiviral compound PHM23 has been selected by the University of Georgia for inclusion in their grant submission to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) $100 million Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge. The selection underscores the potential of PHM23 as a promising therapeutic candidate to combat Bird Flu (H5N1) and highlights its broad-spectrum antiviral capabilities.
The University of Georgia, recognized globally for its expertise in poultry health, chose PHM23 as one of a select few molecules to be featured in this high-profile submission. This inclusion is expected to significantly increase awareness of Bioxytran's innovative antiviral technology within academic and industry circles.
Mechanism of Action and Potential Impact
PHM23 works through a novel mechanism targeting galectins—proteins that play a critical role in viral replication. In vitro studies have demonstrated the compound's effectiveness against viruses similar to Bird Flu, positioning it as a potential solution for addressing multiple viral threats.
"This recognition from the University of Georgia is a testament to the transformative potential of complex carbohydrate based antiviral drugs in addressing one of the most pressing challenges in global agriculture," said David Platt, CEO of Bioxytran, Inc. "Being selected for the USDA's HPAI Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge submission validates our innovative galectin antagonist platform and highlights PHM23's role in safeguarding animal health and the global food supply."
The technology behind PHM23 represents a significant advancement in antiviral approaches. By blocking viral spike proteins from attaching to host cells—a mechanism conserved across mammals—the compound may minimize the risk of viral mutations. This approach could potentially enable rapid containment of H5N1 outbreaks, eliminating the need for mass culling of poultry and mitigating billions in annual losses to the industry.
The HPAI Challenge and Future Directions
The USDA's HPAI Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge, with up to $100 million in funding, aims to develop solutions to curb the spread of Bird Flu, protect U.S. poultry farmers, and ensure food security. The selection of PHM23 for this submission represents a significant milestone for Bioxytran's antiviral program.
Bioxytran is actively pursuing partnerships with academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and government agencies to accelerate the development and deployment of PHM23. The company sees this as an opportunity to address an urgent global need while validating its broader antiviral platform.
Broader Applications of Bioxytran's Technology
Beyond PHM23, Bioxytran is developing a portfolio of complex carbohydrate-based therapeutics across three core platform technologies: virology, cancer metastasis, and oxygen transport. The company is also advancing programs for pulmonary fibrosis and stroke treatment, including BXT-25, which has shown potential to reduce stroke treatment time by over 90% when utilized by paramedics at the time of diagnosis.
The selection of PHM23 for the University of Georgia's submission not only validates Bioxytran's approach to antiviral development but also potentially opens doors for broader applications of its galectin antagonist technology across multiple therapeutic areas.
