What You Should Know:
– PhotoPharmics, a leader in specialized light therapy for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced the close of its oversubscribed $6 million Series B extension.
– The round was led by Kickstart Fund with participation from current and new investors, reflecting strong confidence in the company’s clinical promise and the commercial potential of its Parkinson’s therapy.
PhotoPharmics Advances Light-Based Therapy for Parkinson’s with Phase 3 Trial and New Investment
PhotoPharmics, a privately held, clinical-stage medical device company, is pioneering next-generation light-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. With over three decades of experience per founder in phototherapy research, the team previously developed circadian-regulating light solutions—now widely used for conditions such as seasonal affective disorder, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression—before their acquisition by Philips-Respironics in 2007.
Building on this expertise, the company is developing therapeutic applications of specialized light for a range of neurodegenerative conditions. Its lead innovation, Celeste®, is a disease-targeted light therapy device designed to improve daily functioning in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Celeste delivers proprietary wavelengths and intensities of light through the eyes to activate neurological pathways, engaging the brain’s natural processes without the systemic side effects of traditional pharmaceuticals.
Celeste is currently undergoing evaluation in the Light for PD Phase 3 clinical trial, which has surpassed 200 participants across the United States. Results from earlier studies have demonstrated significant, clinically meaningful improvements in both motor and non-motor symptoms, including mood, cognition, and sleep quality.
The company recently secured new capital to support the completion of this pivotal trial and to fund key pre-commercialization activities. These efforts will facilitate FDA research completion, strengthen strategic partnerships, and prepare for eventual market launch.
“We’re grateful for the enthusiasm and support of our investors as we move toward the finish line of our clinical program,” said Kent Savage, CEO of PhotoPharmics. “This funding gives us the runway we need to complete our FDA research, build strategic partnerships, and ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.”
Through a novel, non-invasive approach, PhotoPharmics is committed to delivering clinically validated, safe, and effective treatments that improve the lives of patients living with Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative disorders.
