By Jamie Martin
Bioxytran, Inc. has announced a research collaboration with the University of Georgia (UGA) to explore a potential antiviral treatment for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, widely known as bird flu. The project is part of broader research efforts supported through a major $100 million funding initiative aimed at improving poultry health and innovation.
This partnership builds on a Non-Disclosure Agreement established in March 2025 and officially launches research activities focused on Bioxytran’s lead drug candidate, PHM23. The study will evaluate how the treatment may help reduce viral spread in poultry and provide a new option for managing outbreaks.
The research is led by Dr. Daniela Rajao from UGA’s College of Veterinary Medicine. With strong experience in poultry virology, she will guide the scientific evaluation of the therapy and its potential use in real-world poultry production systems.
PHM23 is designed to work by targeting galectin proteins that play a role in viral replication. The treatment aims to block viral spike proteins from attaching to host cells, which could help stop infection from spreading. Earlier laboratory research showed positive results against viruses related to H5N1, encouraging further development.
Bird flu outbreaks continue to create serious challenges for poultry producers. Current control methods often involve large-scale culling to prevent transmission, which results in significant economic losses and supply chain disruptions. Researchers believe that developing effective treatments could reduce the need for such measures while improving animal welfare and farm sustainability.
"The initiation of this research with the University of Georgia, a world leader in poultry health, marks a significant milestone for Bioxytran. The ongoing H5N1 outbreaks present a urgent threat to the global food supply and economy, requiring immediate mass culling that results in billions of dollars in losses " said David Platt, CEO of Bioxytran, Inc.
“We believe our galectin antagonist technology offers a promising path forward--not just for containment, but for a humane and sustainable solution to protect animal health," said Platt.
The scientific potential of PHM23 gained attention when UGA included the molecule in its submission to the USDA’s HPAI Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge. This recognition highlights growing interest in new technologies that can strengthen disease prevention and response strategies.
Bioxytran says it plans to work with additional partners across industry, government, and academia to accelerate progress. The company hopes that continued collaboration will help deliver practical solutions that support farmers, protect poultry health, and maintain food system stability in the face of ongoing disease risks.
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Categories: National