Enrollment Begins for Human Absorption Study of PFH-VAP in Zambia

Enrollment for Human Absorption Study of PFH-VAP Begins in Zambia

Health initiative addresses vitamin A deficiency through innovative formulation

Particles for Humanity, an organization committed to tackling malnutrition, has officially commenced participant enrollment at its research site in Zambia. This initiative focuses on the human absorption study of PFH-VAP, a newly developed stable formulation of vitamin A. The objective of this study is to assess whether PFH-VAP's enhanced stability can ensure more effective delivery of vitamin A into the human body following consumption.

This ongoing research is conducted in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the United States and the National Health Research and Training Institute (NHRTI) in Zambia. This marks the second and final enrollment site, indicating significant progress toward meeting critical goals in the battle against vitamin A deficiency, an ailment afflicting millions globally. The research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the study's inaugural site, has already seen enrollment targets successfully met.

In this study, participants will consume bouillon enriched with PFH-VAP as well as alternative bouillon fortified with commercially sourced vitamin A. Preliminary expectations suggest that PFH-VAP's superior stability may lead to greater levels of vitamin A in the body compared to currently available products. The study has received all necessary approvals from Institutional Review Boards including those from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, NHRTI, the National Health Research Authority, and the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority.

Dr. Justin Chileshe, a Research Scientist at NHRTI and co-Principal Investigator for the project, expressed enthusiasm about the commencement of enrollment in Zambia, emphasizing the importance of vitamin A for public health.

"Vitamin A is integral to the health of our population, and we are eager to help Particles for Humanity deliver more of the lifesaving nutrient to those who need it most," Dr. Chileshe remarked.

PFH-VAP is designed to address the common challenges associated with vitamin A, particularly in hot and humid climates where standard formulations tend to degrade rapidly. This innovative formulation retains up to 70% of its vitamin A content after one year of being stored in bouillon under such conditions—significantly outperforming the stability of traditionally used sources. By incorporating PFH-VAP into everyday foods like bouillon, there exists a potential to enhance health outcomes and ultimately save lives.

The Principal Investigator for this crucial study is Dr. Sherry Tanumihardjo, a Professor of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For transparency and community involvement, the study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with the ID NCT06438562.

Particles for Humanity seeks to transform early-stage medical technologies into impactful products that benefit individuals in low- and lower-middle-income countries, relying entirely on philanthropic funding. The organization's dedicated development model is anchored in feedback and insights from end-users and emphasizes sustainable economic opportunities.

For further information, please visit www.particlesfh.com or reach out via email at [email protected] for inquiries.

This enrollment initiative signifies a vital step forward in combatting malnutrition, fostering healthier communities, and promoting overall public health. Join us in supporting such endeavors that aim to eradicate deficiencies and improve nutritional access across the globe.