Bioxytran Initiates Research Collaboration with University of Georgia to Evaluate Drug Candidate's Ability to Block H5N1 Bird Flu Virus

BOSTON, Massachusetts, Feb 23, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - Bioxytran, Inc. (OTCQB: BIXT), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing breakthrough antiviral treatments, today announced it has initiated a research collaboration with the University of Georgia (UGA) as part of a $100M grant to explore the efficacy of its lead drug candidate in blocking the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus, commonly known as bird flu.

The collaboration follows a previously announced Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) signed in March 2025 and formalizes the framework for evaluating Bioxytran's novel galectin antagonist as a potential therapeutic for infected poultry . The research is being led by Dr. Daniela Rajao DVM, MS, PhD, a renowned expert in virology and poultry medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health at UGA .

Bioxytran's drug candidate, PHM23, utilizes a novel mechanism of action that targets galectin proteins critical to viral replication. By blocking viral spike proteins from attaching to host cells, the therapy aims to neutralize the virus and halt its spread . In vitro studies have already demonstrated the molecule's effectiveness against viruses similar to H5N1, providing a strong foundation for this new research .

"The initiation of this research with the University of Georgia, a world leader in poultry health, marks a significant milestone for Bioxytran," said David Platt, CEO of Bioxytran, Inc. "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. 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."

The potential of this research has already garnered significant academic recognition. Following the establishment of the collaboration, UGA selected PHM23 as one of a handful of molecules to be featured in its grant submission to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) prestigious $100 million HPAI Poultry Innovation Grand Challenge . This inclusion underscores the scientific promise of Bioxytran's platform in addressing one of agriculture's most pressing challenges.

Current protocols for managing bird flu outbreaks often necessitate the culling of entire flocks to prevent the virus's spread. Bioxytran's approach could offer a more effective alternative, enable rapid containment of the virus and mitigate the devastating economic impact on farmers and consumers.

Bioxytran is actively seeking further partnerships with academic, industry, and government stakeholders to accelerate the development and deployment of PHM23 in response to this urgent global need .

About Bioxytran, Inc.

Bioxytran, Inc. is at the forefront of developing complex carbohydrate-based therapeutics to address critical unmet medical needs in virology, cancer metastasis, and oxygen transport. Its leading antiviral platform utilizes galectin antagonists to combat viral diseases. For more information, visit www.bioxytraninc.com

About University of Georgia

The University of Georgia is a land-grant and sea-grant university with a worldwide reputation for its expertise in poultry science and veterinary medicine. Its College of Veterinary Medicine and related research institutes are leaders in combating animal diseases that threaten the food supply.

Investor Relations Contact:

David Platt, PhD/CEO
Bioxytran, Inc.
617-454-1199
david.platt@bioxytraninc.com


Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable federal securities laws, including statements regarding the expected commercialization of A-SUQAR, anticipated benefits of the Distribution Agreement, the Company's recent Phase 2 clinical results, and Bioxytran's future business and development plans. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "plan," and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements include these terms. Such statements are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks include, without limitation, risks related to regulatory compliance, commercialization execution, market acceptance, clinical development, intellectual property protection, financing requirements, and other factors described in Bioxytran's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and other filings made from time to time. Bioxytran undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required under applicable securities laws.

Source: Bioxytran, Inc

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