BOSTON / US, 24 February 2026: Bioxytran Inc. (OTCQB: BIXT) announces a research collaboration with the University of Georgia (UGA) to evaluate its lead drug candidate, PHM23, for its ability to block the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus, commonly known as bird flu.
The collaboration is part of a $100 million grant initiative aimed at combating H5N1 outbreaks in poultry. It builds on a Non-Disclosure Agreement signed between the two parties in March 2025 and formalizes joint research efforts to test Bioxytran’s novel galectin antagonist as a potential therapeutic solution for infected poultry.
The research is being led by Dr. Daniela Rajao, a virology and poultry medicine expert at UGA’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health.
Bioxytran’s investigational drug candidate PHM23 employs a novel mechanism targeting galectin proteins that play a critical role in viral replication. By blocking viral spike proteins from attaching to host cells, the therapy aims to neutralize the virus and prevent its spread.
According to the company, in vitro studies have demonstrated PHM23’s effectiveness against viruses similar to H5N1, providing a scientific basis for the current evaluation.
David Platt, CEO of Bioxytran, states that the collaboration represents a significant milestone for the company. He notes that ongoing H5N1 outbreaks pose a serious threat to global food supply chains and the agricultural economy, often requiring large-scale culling of poultry flocks.
Following the establishment of the partnership, UGA includes PHM23 in its submission to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s $100 million HPAI Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge, signaling academic confidence in the molecule’s potential.
Current bird flu containment strategies rely heavily on mass culling to prevent viral transmission. If successful, Bioxytran’s approach could offer a therapeutic alternative aimed at reducing economic losses while improving animal health outcomes.
The company says it is actively pursuing additional partnerships with academic institutions, industry stakeholders and government agencies to accelerate development of PHM23 in response to the global H5N1 challenge.
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