UGA partnership explores antiviral solution for H5N1 poultry outbreaks
Bioxytran, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, has started a new research collaboration with the University of Georgia (UGA) to study a potential treatment for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1, commonly called bird flu. The partnership supports research under a major funding initiative linked to a $100 million grant focused on poultry innovation and disease control.
The collaboration follows a Non-Disclosure Agreement signed in March 2025 and now provides a formal structure for evaluating Bioxytran’s lead drug candidate, PHM23. The research will focus on understanding how the treatment could help infected poultry by targeting viral activity and limiting the spread of disease within flocks.
The project is being led by Dr. Daniela Rajao, a specialist in virology and poultry medicine at UGA’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Her expertise in poultry health and infectious disease research is expected to play an important role in testing the therapy’s effectiveness and practical use in agricultural settings.
PHM23 works through a unique approach that targets galectin proteins involved in viral replication. By blocking viral spike proteins from attaching to host cells, the therapy aims to stop the virus from spreading. Earlier laboratory studies showed promising results against viruses like H5N1, creating a strong foundation for further testing.
Company leadership says the research is an important step toward finding alternatives to current bird flu management practices. Today, outbreaks often require mass culling of poultry flocks, leading to major financial losses and disruptions in food supply chains. A treatment that helps contain the virus could support more humane and sustainable disease management strategies.
"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 project also received academic recognition when UGA selected PHM23 as part of its submission to the USDA’s HPAI Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge. This selection highlights the potential of the research to address one of the most serious threats facing the poultry industry.
Bioxytran is continuing to seek partnerships with academic, government, and industry groups to speed up development and improve response strategies for future outbreaks. The company believes collaboration will be essential in protecting animal health and strengthening agricultural resilience.
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