Activity in Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus highlights the broad- spectrum antiviral potential of ProLectin-M
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, Feb. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BIOXYTRAN, INC. (OTCQB: BIXT) (the “Company”), a clinical stage biotechnology company developing oral and intravenous drugs to treat COVID-19, other viral diseases, and fibrosis announced today that in vitro testing at the Foundation for Neglected Disease Research (FNDR) in Bangalore India, showed that leading drug candidate ProLectin-M (PL-M) showed a significant reduction of viral load in influenza (H1N1) and in human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The newest in vitro results, completed in early February 2023, are similar in nature to the SARS-CoV-2 test results that ultimately led to the successful completion of 2 clinical trials. The positive data and the non-toxic nature of the molecule justifies an IND filing to proceed to phase 2 human clinical trials.
These in vitro test results add to the body of evidence that PL-M has the potential to be a broad-spectrum antiviral useful in the treatment of Upper Respiratory Infections (“URI”) and as a potential treatment of populations infected by a “tripledemic” recently warned of by public health officials: that is peak infections, at the same time, of RSV, Influenza, and COVID-19. In December 2022 a wave of COVID-19, RSV, and Influenza infections hit all at once putting pressure on the hospital systems by maxing out the number of beds available. This pressure on the hospital systems had no relieve valve because there are no triage like treatments for standard risk patients.
Influenza has been infecting people worldwide since the 1500’s and the only way to control influenza is through the use of personal protective measures and frequent handwashing. There are a number of antiviral treatment options like oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu®) which was the positive control in our study, but these antivirals are designed to inhibit replication and must be taken within two days of symptoms. PL-M has a different mechanism of action as an entry inhibitor, and is designed to stop infectivity and spread of the disease throughout the body.
RSV is a highly contagious virus that primarily effects babies and older adults with underlying medical conditions and can lead to serious infections, including bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. There are over 57,000 hospitalizations, 500,000 emergency room visits and 1.5 million outpatient clinic visits among children less than 5 years of age that contract RSV. In adults there are 177,00 hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths annually.1 There are no known treatments except the management of the symptoms. Drug developers are working on vaccines and antiviral treatments.
With this excellent in vitro data in hand from influenza and RSV, the Company anticipates it will add additional treatment arms to its COVID-19 studies.
About ProLectin-M
ProLectin-M is an oral galectin antagonist that prevents the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into human cells. In recent clinical trials the drug achieved a 100% responders rate of negative PCR tests by day 7. In 3 days, the drug achieved an 88% responders rate of negative PCR tests. The treated population experienced no viral rebounds during the 14-day observation period. The company is preparing for a phase 3 clinical trial in order to seek regulatory approval.
About Bioxytran, Inc.
Bioxytran, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing novel therapies targeting the treatment of significant unmet medical needs in virology, degenerative disease, and hypoxia. The leading drug candidates, ProLectin-M (“PLM”) and ProLectin-I (“PLI”), are a new class of antiviral drugs designed to antagonize galectins implicated in viral, inflammatory, fibrotic, and malignant diseases. Bioxytran’s other development programs are for pulmonary fibrosis and stroke treatment. More information can be found at www.bioxytraninc.com
Investor Relations
Michael Sheikh
509-991-0245
mike.sheikh@bioxytraninc.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements as defined under federal law, including those related to the performance of technology described in this press release. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Such statements are subject to significant risks, assumptions and uncertainties. Known material factors that could cause Bioxytran’s actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by such forward-looking statements are described in the forward-looking statements and risk factors in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and those risk factors set forth from time-to-time in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Bioxytran undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except to the extent required under federal securities laws.
1 CDC – National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS)
