PhotoPharmics Enrolls First 100 Participants in Groundbreaking Parkinson's Disease Trial

PhotoPharmics, a leading company in phototherapy for neurodegenerative diseases, has announced that the first 100 participants have been enrolled in its "Light for PD" clinical trial. This is a key step in testing Celeste, the company’s FDA Breakthrough-designated light therapy device for Parkinson's disease (PD). The trial aims to enroll a total of 300 participants, and individuals with PD who are interested in joining can find more information at lightforpd.com. The Light for PD trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Celeste in improving both motor and non-motor symptoms of PD beyond what current treatments offer. Parkinson’s disease occurs when the brain loses its ability to regulate crucial signals for movement and other functions. Recent research suggests that the eyes play a role in this signaling. Celeste works by delivering specific wavelengths of light to help restore retinal signaling, potentially improving the function and quality of life for people with PD. "We’re excited to have reached this important milestone," said Kent Savage, CEO of PhotoPharmics. "We’re thankful for the support from the University of Rochester’s Center for Health + Technology (CHeT) and the movement disorder neurologists across the country who are enrolling and caring for the participants. We believe our non-invasive, specialized phototherapy device could offer significant benefits to those living with this challenging disease." Dr. Ray Dorsey, Professor of Neurology at the University of Rochester Medical Center and lead investigator for the trial, added, "We’re pleased to reach this stage in the Light for PD trial, which represents a major step in exploring new treatments for Parkinson's disease. This study uses advanced phototherapy to potentially improve both motor and non-motor symptoms, offering new hope to patients. The collaboration with PhotoPharmics and the commitment of the participants highlight the critical need for research in finding effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases." About the Light for PD Clinical Trial: Participants in the trial use the Celeste device for one hour each day while engaging in activities like reading, eating, or watching TV. This passive, non-invasive therapy is designed to complement existing treatments without requiring any changes to current medications. The trial is conducted in an at-home, telemedicine-based format, making it accessible and convenient, even for those in remote locations.