BIOXYTRAN, INC. (OTCQB:BIXT), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on innovative antiviral treatments, has announced a new research collaboration with the University of Georgia (UGA). This partnership is part of a substantial $100 million grant aimed at investigating the efficacy of Bioxytran's lead drug candidate in combating the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus, commonly referred to as bird flu.
The collaboration formalizes a previously established Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) signed in March 2025 and sets the stage for evaluating Bioxytran's novel galectin antagonist as a potential therapeutic solution for infected poultry. The research will be spearheaded by Dr. Daniela Rajao DVM, MS, PhD, a leading expert in virology and poultry medicine at UGA's College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health.
Bioxytran's drug candidate, PHM23, employs a unique mechanism of action that targets galectin proteins essential for viral replication. By obstructing the viral spike proteins from binding to host cells, this therapy aims to neutralize the virus and prevent its spread. Excitingly, in vitro studies have already indicated the molecule's effectiveness against viruses similar to H5N1, laying a solid groundwork for this promising research.
David Platt, CEO of Bioxytran, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: "The initiation of this research with the University of Georgia, a leader in poultry health, marks a significant milestone for Bioxytran. The ongoing H5N1 outbreaks pose an urgent threat to the global food supply and economy, necessitating immediate mass culling that results in staggering financial losses. We believe our galectin antagonist technology presents a viable path not just for containment but also for a humane and sustainable approach to safeguarding animal health."
This research initiative has already attracted notable academic attention. Following the collaboration's establishment, UGA has selected PHM23 as one of a select few molecules to be highlighted in its grant application to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) prestigious $100 million HPAI Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge, reinforcing the scientific promise of Bioxytran's platform in tackling one of agriculture's most pressing issues.
Current protocols for managing bird flu outbreaks often require the culling of entire flocks to contain the virus's spread. Bioxytran's innovative approach could provide a more effective alternative, allowing for swift containment while alleviating the devastating economic consequences faced by farmers and consumers alike.
In response to this urgent global challenge, Bioxytran is actively pursuing additional partnerships with academic, industry, and government stakeholders to expedite the development and deployment of PHM23.
For more information on Bioxytran, Inc., visit www.bioxytraninc.com. Learn more about the University of Georgia's advancements in poultry science at www.uga.edu. For ongoing updates, check out Inside Ticker.