#USA #Cambridge #Particles for Humanity #Hexagon Nutrition #VIT A+

Major Breakthrough in Vitamin A Fortification

In a recent landmark achievement, Particles for Humanity and Hexagon Nutrition Limited have successfully completed the commercial-scale process validation for PFH-VAP, a formulation set to be sold as VIT A+. This stable version of vitamin A palmitate is specifically designed to enhance food fortification efforts, particularly in regions facing high levels of vitamin A deficiency.

The validation phase, conducted in India by Hexagon Nutrition, signifies the effective transfer of manufacturing processes from LIS by Lesaffre's facility in France. What this means is that not only has the product been validated for large-scale production, but it is also geared up for commercial use, providing a vital nutrient to countless individuals in need.

The development of VIT A+ was centered around improving the stability of vitamin A during both storage and cooking, reflecting the everyday conditions experienced in low- and middle-income countries. This was essential as it ensures that the vitamin retains its beneficial properties, regardless of the food preparation methods that may otherwise diminish its efficacy.

Each batch produced on a commercial scale is capable of fortifying a staggering 600 million servings of food, marking a profound step toward combating the widespread issue of vitamin A deficiency. Sherri C. Oberg, CEO and Co-founder of Particles for Humanity, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating, "Completing this manufacturing transfer is a major milestone in the development of PFH-VAP and brings us one step closer to making this technology broadly available through food fortification programs."

The journey to this point has involved years of cooperation among scientists, engineers, and manufacturing partners, all dedicated to addressing the challenges presented by vitamin A deficiency. This powerful collaboration is poised to make a real difference as they now gear up to focus on the advanced adoption of VIT A+ in various foods including bouillon, flour, and sugar, which could drastically improve nutritional outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Vikram Kelkar, Managing Director of Hexagon Nutrition, commented on the achievement, stating, "At Hexagon Nutrition, improving nutrition through innovation is central to our mission. The completion of process validation demonstrates that VIT A+ can be manufactured reliably at commercial scale and reflects the strong collaboration between our organizations."

The successful transfer and validation of the manufacturing process mark a pivotal moment for both companies, as they proactively work on initiatives to introduce VIT A+ into food fortification programs. The aim is to significantly increase access to stable vitamin A, crucial for the health and well-being of many individuals who are at risk of deficiency.

Particles for Humanity is committed to transforming early-stage medical technology into viable products that benefit those living in low and lower-middle income countries. Their approach to product development is stringent, with a focus on user feedback, and their financing is solely reliant on philanthropy, ensuring a collaborative approach to sustainable product opportunities. For more information about their work and innovations, you can visit their website at www.particlesfh.com.

Similarly, Hexagon Nutrition specializes in offering clinical nutrition solutions, providing micronutrient premixes and therapeutic products across India and numerous other countries. Through strategic partnerships, they are determined to tackle the nutritional challenges that persist globally.

As VIT A+ enters its next phase of commercialization, the continued support and development from both Particles for Humanity and Hexagon Nutrition signal a hopeful outlook for improved nutrition in populations that need it most.