US-based healthcare company Particles for Humanity and Indian nutraceutical company Hexagon Nutrition have entered partnership to tackle vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in Africa.
Hexagon Nutrition has secured a three-year exclusive licence to manufacture and distribute Particles for Humanity’s Vitamin A Palmitate (PFH-VAP).
PFH-VAP is a formulation of dry vitamin A palmitate intended for use in bouillon cubes.
It is specifically designed for large-scale food fortification in regions with hot and humid climates, such as parts of West Africa.
The stability of PFH-VAP addresses the degradation issues faced by commercial forms of vitamin A in these conditions, making bouillon an effective vehicle for combatting VAD.
Particles for Humanity CEO Sherri Oberg said: “By joining forces with Hexagon Nutrition, we can accelerate the production and distribution of this critical product, ensuring it reaches those who need vitamin A the most.
“Combining Particles for Humanity’s research and development expertise with Hexagon’s established global distribution network advances a shared goal: improving lives with stable vitamin A.”
Particles for Humanity focuses on transforming early-stage medical technology into products for low and lower-middle-income countries.
Hexagon Nutrition offers clinical nutrition solutions, micronutrient premixes, and therapeutic products, building on its research-oriented approach.
Hexagon Nutrition and Particles for Humanity are taking steps to increase the availability of lifesaving micronutrients in Africa.
By enhancing bouillon with PFH-VAP, the initiative could save thousands of children’s lives annually and improve the health of millions of children and women, particularly in Nigeria.
Hexagon Nutrition managing director Vikram Kelkar said: “Improving nutrition globally is at the core of our business. PFH-VAP will be another strong asset in our product portfolio.
“We are excited to leverage Hexagon Nutrition’s ingredient manufacturing and premixing expertise to advance innovation and reduce the burden of malnutrition.”
