Particles for Humanity Begins Enrollment at Zambia Site for Human Absorption Study

Cambridge, MA (September 10, 2025). Particles for Humanity has begun enrolling participants at a Zambian study site for its human absorption study of PFH-VAP, a stable formulation 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 is conducting the study in partnership with the University of Wisconsin–Madison in the United States and the National Health Research and Training Institute (NHRTI) in Zambia.

Zambia is the second and final site for this study, bringing the research one step closer to completion. This marks a key milestone in the company’s mission to combat vitamin A deficiency through large scale food fortification. Enrollment targets at the University of Wisconsin–Madison site, the study’s first site, have been successfully met.

In this human study, participants will consume bouillon fortified with PFH-VAP as well as bouillon fortified with vitamin A from a commercial manufacturer. PFH-VAP’s improved stability is expected to result in higher vitamin A levels in the body compared to the commercially sourced alternative. The study has received Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, NHRTI IRB and the National Health Research Authority, and the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority.

“We are thrilled to start enrollment in Zambia, the second and final enrollment site in this important study. 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,” said Dr. Justin Chileshe, Research Scientist at the NHRTI and co-Principal Investigator on the study.

PFH-VAP is a more stable formulation of vitamin A that was designed for use in large scale food fortification, an intervention that can combat many types of malnutrition including vitamin A deficiency. In hot and humid conditions, like those found in many parts of Africa, vitamin A is unstable and much of it is lost before reaching consumers. PFH-VAP retains 70% of its vitamin A after one year of storage in bouillon in these conditions, a 4x stability advantage over the commercially sourced product used in this study. Adding PFH-VAP into foods like bouillon can help save lives and get more vitamin A to the people who need it most.

The study’s Principal Investigator is Dr. Sherry Tanumihardjo, Professor of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under ID NCT06438562.

Particles for Humanity transforms early-stage medical technology into products for people living in low and lower-middle income countries, with 100% of funding from philanthropy. Its rigorous product development process is based on end-user input and is focused on financially sustainable product opportunities. Visit www.particlesfh.com or contact info@particlesfh.com