Emory University announced Tuesday, September 22, 2026, that it has opened a clinical trial designed to test methods for eliminating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, from the human body. The trial, conducted in Atlanta, Georgia, seeks to evaluate interventions that could reduce the chemical burden in participants who have been exposed through local drinking water sources. By initiating the study, Emory aims to provide a scientific pathway for addressing the elevated PFAS levels that have been documented in the region's water supply.
The research will focus on assessing the safety and effectiveness of selected techniques intended to extract PFAS compounds from participants' systems. While the specific protocols have not been disclosed, the trial represents a coordinated effort between university scientists and medical professionals to translate laboratory findings into practical health solutions. Participants will be monitored throughout the study period to track changes in PFAS concentrations in blood and other biological markers, providing data that could inform future public‑health strategies.
The launch of the trial follows a series of investigations by Atlanta News First that revealed unusually high PFAS concentrations in the blood of residents who rely on local water basins for drinking. Those findings highlighted a persistent exposure risk linked to the presence of the chemicals in the municipal water network. Emory's initiative responds directly to that community concern, aiming to determine whether therapeutic removal of PFAS is feasible and to lay groundwork for broader remediation efforts. The university emphasized that the study will adhere to all regulatory and ethical standards governing human research, and it will be overseen by an institutional review board to ensure participant safety.
As the trial progresses, results are expected to contribute to a growing body of knowledge about PFAS exposure and mitigation. The outcomes could shape policy decisions and health recommendations for populations facing similar contamination challenges across the United States.