Bioxytran, Inc. announced that the University of Georgia confirmed the antiviral PHM23 was to be included amongst other drug candidates in the Universities grant submission to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) $100 million Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge. This prestigious recognition highlights PHM23's potential as a solution to combat Bird Flu (H5N1) and underscores its broad-spectrum antiviral activity. The University of Georgia is a world leader in poultry health.
The selection of this molecule demonstrates how PHM23 stands out in the antiviral space as a promising therapeutic candidate capable of neutralizing viral infections. Inclusion in this high-profile submission is expected to amplify awareness of the antiviral activity of Bioxytran's molecule. By targeting galectins--proteins critical to viral replication--PHM23 has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to Bird Flu in vitro studies, positioning it as an antiviral candidate for addressing multiple viral threats.
Bioxytran's galectin antagonist technology, embodied in PHM23, works by blocking viral spike proteins from approaching to host cells, a mechanism conserved across mammals that minimizes the risk of viral mutations. This approach offers hope for rapid containment of H5N1 outbreaks, potentially eliminating the need for mass culling and mitigating billions in annual losses to the poultry industry. The USDA's HPAI Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge, with up to $100 million in funding, aims to curb the spread of Bird Flu, protect U.S. poultry farmers, and ensure food security.
Bioxytran is actively seeking partnerships with academic, industry, and government stakeholders to accelerate PHM23's development and deployment in response to this urgent global need.
