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PhotoPharmics brings renowned experts in Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases to advisory board

Breakthrough device innovator will leverage the expertise of leading authorities to bolster the company’s future success in treating major unmet needs of Parkinson’s disease and beyond

Clinical-stage medical device maker PhotoPharmics today announced a Clinical & Scientific Advisory board (CSAB) comprised of six leading experts in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. The board’s aim is to provide clinical and scientific advice and direction to support the PhotoPharmics mission to “Improve the lives of people who suffer from neurodegenerative diseases.”

The board will be chaired by C. Warren Olanow, MD, a leading researcher, clinician, and influencer in developing solutions for PD and other neurodegenerative diseases, advisor to dozens of life science companies and organizations, including the Michael J Fox Foundation and National Space Board Research Institute, and the recipient of a lifetime achievement award from the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

“We are extremely pleased that Dr. Olanow has agreed to chair our Advisory Board,” said Kent Savage, CEO of PhotoPharmics. “Add to his impressive background the expertise of each of our other experts, and we are well organized to move our breakthrough platform technology through trials and into the hands of people with Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.”

Joining Dr. Olanow on this board will be:

  • Ray Chaudhuri, MD, a world leading authority on non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, professor of neurology/movement disorders at King’s College London, author of hundreds of papers in this field, and co-editor of five books on PD.
  • Rajesh Pahwa, MD, Chief of the Parkinson’s and Movement Disorder Division and Director of Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence at the University of Kansas Medical Center, author of more than 200 peer-reviewed articles, and instrumental in over 100 clinical trials related to PD and other movement disorders.
  • Joohi Jimenez-Shahed, MD, Medical Director of Movement Disorders Neuromodulation at Mount Sinai Hospital, principal investigator for several related clinical trials, widely published, and an emerging expert in intraoperative neurophysiology for patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) and the application of wearables and digital health technologies in PD.
  • Dan Claassen, MD, MS, Chief of Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology at Vanderbilt University, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by disruptions to cognition, behavior, and movement—particularly in PD, Huntington’s, and atypical PD.
  • Amy Amara, MD, PhD, leads research efforts around movement disorders neurology and sleep at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, specializes in studies sleep disorders in PD, the influence of non-pharmacologic interventions such as exercise on sleep disorders, cognition, and other non-motor symptoms, with deep research in biomarkers in PD and interventions to improve safety in patients.

“As an emerging leader in non-invasive specialized light therapy for neurodegenerative diseases, PhotoPharmics will benefit from the advice and insight of this world-class advisory board,” said Karl Kieburtz, MD, Chief Medical Officer of PhotoPharmics. “The board will be extraordinarily valuable as we continue our clinical investigations and prepare to commercialize our therapeutic solutions.”

The board will meet regularly to advise on key strategic decisions, review emerging research, and support the company’s scientific, clinical and commercialization efforts.

About PhotoPharmics

PhotoPharmics is a privately held, clinical-stage medical device company developing next-generation treatments for treating neurodegenerative disorders through the eyes. Company founders have 30+ years of research and experience in this field. They previously developed specialized light solutions now widely used to regulate circadian rhythms in seasonal affective disorder, sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression (acquired by Philips-Respironics in 2007).

Drawing from research and recent trials, PhotoPharmics is developing applications of specialized light across several neurodegenerative diseases. The company aims to make a clinically meaningful difference in patients’ lives by delivering safe and effective non-invasive treatments. Investor inquiries are welcomed. Learn more at www.photopharmics.com.

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