Attendees invited to Booth #732 for pivotal trial updates and to discuss unmet needs in Parkinson’s care
PhotoPharmics, a clinical-stage medtech device company specializing in non-invasive photo neurostimulation, today announced its participation in the 2025 International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders to be held October 5-9 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The company invites attendees to visit Booth #732 to meet the team and learn about the Light for PD Phase 3 pivotal trial, and explore Photo Neurostimulation as a potential modality in Parkinson’s disease (PD) care.
In the company’s Phase 2 study, photo neurostimulation demonstrated promising results for both non-motor symptoms (e.g., sleep, alertness, urinary regulation, mood, apathy, fatigue) and persistent motor symptoms (many of which are inadequately addressed by standard dopaminergic therapy). The device is designed for home use, in parallel with patients’ existing PD treatments. It has received FDA Breakthrough Device designation.“
Many people with Parkinson’s continue to live with both non-motor and motor symptoms that aren’t fully managed by existing medications,” said Kent Savage, CEO and co-founder of PhotoPharmics. “Our Photo Neurostimulation approach aims to address the unmet needs for people with PD, and we’re eager to share our progress and engage with the movement disorders community at the Congress.”
At Booth #732, visitors can expect:
- Updates on the Light for PD pivotal trial (double-blind, randomized, n ≈ 350, anticipated completion April 2026)
- Highlights from Phase 2 clinical results, including improvements in both motor and non-motor endpoints
- Conversations about partnerships and collaborations with clinicians, researchers, and patient advocacy groups
“Photo Neurostimulation is unlike any other light device in the market — it’s engineered for disease-specific pathways in PD,” said Dan Adams, Science Officer and co-founder. “We believe pairing our device with standard therapy will broaden the scope of symptomatic control without adding systemic burden.”
About PhotoPharmics
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PhotoPharmics is a privately held, clinical-stage medical device company developing next-generation therapies for treating neurodegenerative disorders through the eyes. Company founders individually have 30+ years of research and experience in this field. They previously developed specialized light solutions, now widely used to regulate circadian rhythms for 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 treatments. Learn more at www.photopharmics.com.
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PR251003
New clinical sites open in Illinois, Florida, and Arizona; trial remains open to participants across 19 states.
PhotoPharmics, the leader in specialized phototherapy for neurodegenerative diseases, announced today that it is expanding study access to states that have recently added site investigators. Some of these states, like Illinois, Florida, and Arizona, are critical because of the higher number of retirees and people with Parkinson’s.
“This added enrollment goes beyond our original goal of 300 participants,” said Kent Savage, CEO of PhotoPharmics, “We are eager to establish Celeste’s safety and efficacy in a geographically diverse population.”
Now the largest study of its kind, Light for PD is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the safety and effectiveness of an FDA breakthrough non-invasive light therapy designed to improve both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The therapy builds on decades of circadian science and early-stage results that showed promising benefits in sleep, mood, motor function, and overall quality of life.
“This milestone reflects both the strength of our scientific platform and the growing urgency patients feel for new, non-drug options,” said Savage. “We’re grateful for the trust that patients and research partners have placed in us—and excited by the opportunity to expand access.”
As part of the expansion, new clinical sites have opened in Illinois, Florida, and Arizona, joining a growing national network of leading academic and community research centers. The trial is currently enrolling participants from the following states:
- Arizona (New)
- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida (new)
- Idaho
- Illinois (new)
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Montana
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
Eligible participants will use the PhotoPharmics device daily at home, without altering their existing Parkinson’s medications. The therapy works by delivering precisely calibrated wavelengths of light to the eyes to help restore blunted circadian rhythms and improve function in impacted areas of the brain—an approach that may improve daytime alertness, sleep, mood, and other core symptoms of PD.
“We’re very optimistic,” said Dan Adams, Science Officer at PhotoPharmics. “This trial isn’t just testing a device—it’s testing a new way of thinking about Parkinson’s care: safe, non-invasive, and rooted in the body’s natural biology.”
The Light for PD trial is registered at lightforpd.com, where interested individuals can learn more and check eligibility.
About PhotoPharmics
PhotoPharmics is a privately held, clinical-stage medical device company developing next-generation therapies for treating neurodegenerative disorders through the eyes. Company founders individually have 30+ years of research and experience in this field. They previously developed specialized light solutions, now widely used to regulate circadian rhythms for 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 patient’s lives by delivering safe and effective treatments. Learn more at www.photopharmics.com.
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PR250801
Original Press Release
Funding supports key milestones as the Pivotal, Phase 3 trial surpasses 200 enrolled participants
SALT LAKE CITY – 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.
The new capital will support the completion of the company’s Pivotal, Phase 3 clinical trial and fund key pre-commercialization initiatives, for Celeste®, the company’s specialized light therapy device for Parkinson’s disease.
Celeste is currently being evaluated in the Light for PD clinical trial that has now surpassed 200 enrolled participants across the US.
“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.”
Unlike general wellness light boxes, Celeste passively delivers proprietary, disease-specific wavelengths and intensities of light to the eye to engage the brain’s natural processes, improving daytime function in people with Parkinson’s. PhotoPharmics’ earlier clinical research has shown significant and clinically meaningful improvements in both motor and non-motor symptoms—including sleep, mood, and cognition—without the systemic side effects of traditional drug therapies.
“With Celeste, we’re not just adding a new product—we’re building an entirely new category of care for Parkinson’s,” said Savage. “With over 11 million people living with Parkinson’s globally—and no breakthroughs in decades—the need for innovation is urgent. This investment helps us lay the groundwork for access, education, and advocacy around a convenient, non-invasive approach.”
PhotoPharmics anticipates completion of its Pivotal, Phase 3 trial in the coming months and is preparing its regulatory submissions.
About PhotoPharmics
PhotoPharmics is a privately held, clinical-stage medical device company developing next-generation therapies for treating neurodegenerative disorders through the eyes. Company founders individually have 30+ years of research and experience in this field. They previously developed specialized light solutions, now widely used to regulate circadian rhythms for 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 patient’s lives by delivering safe and effective treatments. Learn more at www.photopharmics.com.
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PR12401
PhotoPharmics, the leader in specialized phototherapy for neurodegenerative diseases, announced the formation of its Commercial Advisory Board (CAB), uniting top experts in neurology, movement disorders, pharmaceutical and medtech commercialization. The board will provide strategic guidance as the company advances toward regulatory submission and market introduction of Celeste®, its FDA Breakthrough device for Parkinson’s disease.
Samantha John brings over 25 years of leadership experience with multiple successful product launches in the biopharmaceutical industry and a strong record of commercial success in specialized markets. She previously held senior roles at Aimmune Therapeutics, UCB, and Eli Lilly, where she led brand strategy, patient services, global marketing, and sales teams. She also leads Horsepower Ventures, a consultancy focused on commercialization strategies across biotech and pharma. Her expertise in brand development, marketing operations, and patient engagement will be instrumental as PhotoPharmics advances its phototherapy platform.
Greg Schneider joins PhotoPharmics in a formal capacity after three years as a strategic advisor to the company. A nationally recognized expert in healthcare policy, reimbursement, and market access, he has held senior leadership roles at Medtronic, Siemens Healthineers, and Pfizer. As founder of VBHC, LLC, he has guided medtech and biotech companies through complex payer environments. His experience across coverage, coding, pricing, and patient advocacy will help ensure broad access to PhotoPharmics’ innovations.
