Tropical Diseases Research Centre

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Particles for Humanity has received approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the United States to begin a human absorption study of PFH-VAP, a stable form of vitamin A. The study is designed to confirm that PFH-VAP's improved stability enables more vitamin A to be delivered into the human body after consumption. Particles for Humanity has partnered with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Tropical Diseases Research Centre in Zambia to conduct the study as part of its effort to combat vitamin A deficiency (VAD). VAD is a devastating public health problem affecting 190 million children and 19 million pregnant women worldwide. It causes 2.5 million deaths per year, most of which occur in Africa. Large scale food fortification is a proven strategy for addressing micronutrient deficiencies at scale. By adding vitamins and minerals to widely consumed foods, food fortification reaches millions of people without access to a nutritious diet. However, vitamin A instability in hot and humid conditions, like those found in many parts of Africa, limits the effectiveness of this intervention. PFH-VAP can make food fortification more effective at addressing vitamin A deficiency because of its superior stability. "Vitamin A deficiency afflicts 54% of young children in Zambia, and millions more throughout the continent. We are eager to confirm that PFH-VAP will result in more vitamin A being absorbed relative to the commercial product and help pave the way for its successful use in food fortification," said Dr. Justin Chileshe, Research Scientist at the Tropical Diseases Research Centre and co-Principal Investigator on the study. Previous research has demonstrated that PFH-VAP has a 4x stability advantage over a leading commercial form when stored in bouillon under hot and humid conditions. In this new study, humans will consume bouillon fortified with PFH-VAP as well as bouillon fortified with a commercial form of vitamin A. PFH-VAP's improved stability is expected to enable higher vitamin A levels in the body than the commercial form. "Research to date makes us hopeful that PFH-VAP will deliver more life-saving vitamin A into the bodies of people who need it most. With the help of our colleagues in Zambia, we are thrilled to take this next step in the fight against malnutrition related to vitamin A status." said Sherry Tanumihardjo, Professor of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Principal Investigator on the study. Particles for Humanity transforms early-stage medical technology into products for people living in low and lower-middle income countries. It is developing a portfolio of products with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mulago Foundation, and King Philanthropies. Its rigorous product development process is based on end-user input and is focused on financially sustainable product opportunities. Visit or contact [email protected] SOURCE Particles for Humanity

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Particles for Humanity has closed investments from King Philanthropies and the Mulago Foundation. The funding will be used to test in humans the absorption of vitamin A from PFH-VAP, a stable form of vitamin A palmitate for large-scale food fortification (LSFF). The instability of current forms of vitamin A limits the effectiveness of LSFF. When incorporated in bouillon tablets and stored in hot and humid conditions common in Africa, PFH-VAP has 4X greater stability than a leading commercially available form. When used to fortify staple foods like wheat flour, sugar, and bouillon, PFH-VAP has the potential to reduce vitamin A deficiency in hundreds of millions of people throughout Africa. Diversifying funds is important because it helps improve financial stability and fosters innovation. It encourages meaningful collaboration within the philanthropic community by bringing in a variety of perspectives, ideas, and expertise. To date, Particles for Humanity has raised $20 million in the fight against malnutrition. "Mulago finds and funds organizations with scalable solutions to the basic needs of the very poor. Over a billion people don't get essential micronutrients. Food fortification — think iodized salt — can make a huge difference in nutrition. PFH-VAP uses an innovative encapsulation technology to get stable vitamin A into staple food products. It has potential for exponential health impact over time by leveraging existing broad distribution networks to reach the people who need it most," said Kevin Starr, CEO of Mulago Foundation. "We are thrilled to work with King Philanthropies, the Mulago Foundation, and the Gates Foundation to improve nutrition in Africa. Their confidence in our work has led all three to provide follow-on funding after their initial grants. With their help, we hope to expand the group of investors who are supporting our important work," said Sherri C. Oberg, CEO of Particles for Humanity. King and Mulago have fully funded an absorption study that is currently awaiting Institutional Review Board approval. The study will take place at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the United States and the Tropical Disease Research Centre in Zambia. Particles for Humanity transforms early-stage medical technology into products for people living in low and lower-middle income countries. It is developing a portfolio of products with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mulago Foundation, and King Philanthropies. Its rigorous product development process is based on end-user input and is focused on financially sustainable product opportunities. For more information, visit the company's website . Please contact [email protected] for inquiries. SOURCE Particles for Humanity