PhotoPharmics Announces Board Expansion to Support the Next Phases of Growth: Clinical Execution, Commercialization, and Strategic Partnerships

PhotoPharmics, a clinical-stage medical device company developing photo-neuromodulation therapies for neurodegenerative diseases today announced the addition of two widely respected industry leaders to its Board of Directors: W. James W. Tozer, Jr. and Albert Agro, PhD. These appointments strengthen the company’s governance as it prepares for the data readout of its FDA pivotal study, regulatory clearances, global commercialization and industry partnerships.

New Board Members

  • James W. Tozer, Jr., Series B Director, is a seasoned investor, banker, real estate developer, and corporate advisor with more than 30 years of operational and board experience. He is Managing Director and co-owner of Vectra Management Group, which he co-founded in 1993. Mr. Tozer is PhotoPharmics’ largest Series B investor and its second-largest investor overall, and brings extensive leadership across capital markets, governance, and organizational growth.
  • Albert Agro, PhD, Independent Director, is the CEO of Jocasta Neuroscience Inc., advancing Klotho-based therapeutics for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. He previously led clinical development at Cynapsus, co-running the M&A auction that resulted in Sunovion’s $850 million acquisition of sublingual apomorphine. His executive roles—including Sublimity Therapeutics, GRI Bio, Ironshore Pharma, Trillium Therapeutics, and others—span clinical development, regulatory leadership, fundraising, and strategic transactions.

Recognizing Prior Board Leadership

The company also acknowledges and thanks three continuing board members—Gavin Christensen, Kent Savage, and Dan Adams—for their foundational contributions during PhotoPharmics’ formative stages and vision for the future.

  • Gavin Christensen — Kickstart Ventures, is Founder of Kickstart Ventures, a leading early-stage investor in the Mountain West with deep expertise in company formation, financing strategy, and operational scaling. Gavin is the Chair-elect of the National Venture Capital Association. His early guidance and governance has supported PhotoPharmics successful capital formation and execution across all areas of the business.
  • Kent Savage — CEO and Co-Founder, is an inventor and successful serial entrepreneur who has led the company through early research, device development, regulatory strategy, and its transition towards commercialization. His vision has been instrumental shaping the Celeste® platform and organizing the world class teams to execute the company’s successes.
  • Dan Adams — CSO and Co-Founder, is an experienced scientist and entrepreneur who guides the company’s scientific and clinical research strategy and execution. His decades of experience in field of specialized light and its effects on the human neuroendocrine system is the underpinning of the company’s successful IP and clinical programs and provides the vision for continued innovation.

“These board additions align perfectly with our upcoming milestones,” said Kent Savage, PhotoPharmics CEO. “Jim and Albert bring decades of experience in clinical development, corporate strategy, operational execution and international partnering —giving the company precisely the guidance it needs as we prepare for the results of our FDA pivotal study of our breakthrough device and the next phase of PhotoPharmics’ growth. We are equally grateful for our existing board members for building the foundation we stand on today and lighting our way to the future.”

Positioned for a Landmark Year

PhotoPharmics recently reported major milestones in its update to investors, including:

  • 350 participants enrolled in the FDA pivotal, Light for PD trial
  • Top-line results expected May 2026; FDA submission July 2026
  • Engagement of top investment banks ahead of strategic partnering discussions
  • A growing IP portfolio including 67 issued patents in 29 territories

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 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.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements regarding the design, conduct, timing, and expected results of the Light for PD clinical trial; the potential safety, efficacy, and benefits of the Celeste® device; and future regulatory submissions or approvals. These statements are based on current expectations, assumptions, and estimates and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described. Such risks include, among others, the inherent uncertainties of clinical development, trial outcomes, regulatory review, and commercialization efforts. PhotoPharmics undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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PR20251204

PhotoPharmics Surpasses Enrollment Target with 350 Participants in First-of-a-Kind Remote, Home-Based Phase 3 “Light for PD” Clinical Trial

PhotoPharmics, a clinical-stage medical device company pioneering Photo Neuromodulation for neurodegenerative disease, today announced it has surpassed its enrollment target with 350 participants in its pivotal, Phase 3 Light for PD clinical trial evaluating the Celeste® device for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

“Exceeding our target and closing enrollment is a remarkable milestone for the Parkinson’s community,” said Kent Savage, Chief Executive Officer of PhotoPharmics. “We’re proving that rigorous science can be both patient-centered and home-based. We’re deeply grateful to our investigators, study teams, and especially our participants and their families, whose courage and commitment make this work possible.”

The first-of-its-kind, fully remote, six-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial is evaluating Celeste, a non-drug, at-home therapy designed to complement best medical care and address the large number of unmet clinical needs in PD. Conducted nationwide through a decentralized telemedicine model, participants use the Celeste device in their homes while connecting with study teams via secure video visits.

Celeste delivers precisely calibrated light through the eyes to activate retinal cells that communicate with brain regions regulating circadian rhythms, alertness and activity, mood, and cognition. By helping to restore this critical retinal to brain signaling, the therapy aims to reduce non-motor symptoms—such as sleep disruption, fatigue, apathy, anxiety and depression and cognition. Improving non-motor symptoms also results in better motor function, making this the first potential treatment that profoundly affects the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease.

“Clinical trials are the bridge between discovery and hope,” said Dan Adams, Chief Science Officer at PhotoPharmics. “This remote design demonstrates that cutting-edge research can meet patients where they live—literally—while maintaining the same rigor and data quality of traditional site-based trials.”

PhotoPharmics expects top-line results in Q2 2026, following completion of the trial and subsequent data analysis. The company remains optimistic about the potential of Celeste to improve the lives of those with Parkinson’s disease and is encouraged by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Breakthrough Device designation, recognizing the therapy’s potential to provide significant improvement over existing treatment options.

“Our mission has always been patient first,” added Savage. “Celeste isn’t just another pill or patch—it’s a convenient, easy daily therapy that fits into life at home. The generosity of those who participated in this trial helps advance science and brings real hope to millions.”

About PhotoPharmics

PhotoPharmics is a privately held, clinical-stage medical device company pioneering photo-neuromodulation therapy—the use of precisely tuned light through the eyes to stimulate neural systems that regulate circadian and dopaminergic function. The company’s founders each bring more than 30 years of experience in light-based neuroscience and developed one of the first clinically validated light therapies for seasonal affective disorder, sleep disruption, anxiety, and depression—technology later acquired by Philips-Respironics in 2007.

Building on that legacy, PhotoPharmics is advancing a new generation of evidence-based, home-use therapies for neurodegenerative disease. Its lead program, the Celeste® device for Parkinson’s disease, is currently in a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial and has received FDA Breakthrough Device designation. The company’s mission is to make a clinically meaningful difference in patients’ lives by delivering safe, effective, and accessible treatments that work naturally with the body’s own rhythms.

Learn more at www.photopharmics.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements regarding the design, conduct, timing, and expected results of the Light for PD clinical trial; the potential safety, efficacy, and benefits of the Celeste® device; and future regulatory submissions or approvals. These statements are based on current expectations, assumptions, and estimates and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described. Such risks include, among others, the inherent uncertainties of clinical development, trial outcomes, regulatory review, and commercialization efforts. PhotoPharmics undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

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PR251106

 

PhotoPharmics to Feature Photo Neurostimulation at the 2025 Movement Disorders Society International Congress

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
————–
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

PhotoPharmics Forms Commercial Advisory Board to Guide Market Launch of Breakthrough Parkinson’s Therapy

Renowned leaders in neurology, movement disorders, and commercialization join to shape Celeste® market strategy

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.

“We’re entering a decisive stage where market readiness is as critical as clinical success,” said Kent Savage, CEO of PhotoPharmics. “This board brings unmatched expertise to help us navigate pricing, access, and adoption strategies that will get Celeste to the people who need it most.”

“Celeste has the potential to fill a critical gap in Parkinson’s care by addressing symptoms in a completely new way,” said Jordan Dubow, MD, Chair of this new board. “Our role on the Commercial Advisory Board is to ensure that people with Parkinson’s, know the therapeutic device is available and have access to the device when FDA grants market authorization.”

The CAB brings together a multidisciplinary team of leaders with deep experience in clinical practice, research, regulatory strategy, market access, and product commercialization. Their combined expertise spans movement disorders, neurology, health economics, and the launch of innovative therapies worldwide. Together, they will help ensure Celeste’s transition from clinical breakthrough to market is both efficient and impactful.

  • Jordan Dubow, MD – Chair, PhotoPharmics Commercial Advisory Board; Managing Principal, Clintrex Research, LLC (a division of BlueRidge Life Sciences). Fellowship-trained movement disorders and vascular neurologist with more than 20 years of clinical trial and industry leadership experience; served as chief medical officer for over a dozen companies, contributed to 20+ new drug applications, and helped raise over $1 billion through investor engagement.
  • Jill Giordano Farmer, DO, MPH, FCPP, DipABLM – Founder & Owner Boro Neurology, Assistant Professor of Neurology Drexel College of Medicine. Board-certified neurologist who established a comprehensive movement disorders and lifestyle medicine program, integrating medical, surgical, and rehabilitation care, creating a multidisciplinary clinic without walls.
  • Drew Falconer, MD, FAAN – Director, Inova Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center; Associate Professor of Neurology, UVA School of Medicine – Inova campus. Specializes in the diagnosis and management of Parkinson’s disease and related disorders, with expertise in deep brain stimulation and botulinum toxin therapy. Speaks nationally on various topics in Movement Disorders and is a respected national educator in Parkinson’s Disease and DBS.
  • Robert A. Hauser, MD, MBA, FAAN – Professor of Neurology, University of South Florida; Chair, PhotoPharmics Clinical and Scientific Advisory Board. Internationally recognized researcher and Director of the USF Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders Center; authored over 300 publications and is a leader in developing novel Parkinson’s therapies.
  • Rajesh Pahwa, MD, FAAN – Laverne and Joyce Rider Professor of Neurology; Chief, Parkinson’s and Movement Disorder Division; Director, Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence, University of Kansas Medical Center. Board-certified neurologist who has led numerous clinical trials advancing Parkinson’s disease care.
  • Philip Cyr, MPH – Senior Vice President, Pharmaceutical Commercialization Practice, BlueRidge LifeSciences. More than 30 years of experience in clinical development, market access, and health economics; leads commercialization strategies for pharmaceuticals, biologics, cell and gene therapies and digital therapeutics worldwide.
  • Michael Soileau, MD, FAAN – Founder, Texas Movement Disorder Specialists; Clinical Asst Professor, Texas A&M School of Medicine, Director, Huntington’s Disease Society of America Center of Excellence Partner Site. Frequent principal investigator in clinical trials for Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and other movement disorders, leading a multidisciplinary care team in central Texas.

“The formation of this board ensures our commercialization pathway is informed by leaders who understand the science, the market, and the patients whom we aim to serve,” Savage added.

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 patients’ lives by delivering safe and effective treatments. Learn more at www.photopharmics.com.

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PR250828

PhotoPharmics Expands Enrollment Beyond 300 in Groundbreaking Trial to Show Improvement Beyond Current Therapies

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