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Utah-based medtech company PhotoPharmics has raised an additional $6 million to push its Celeste light therapy device through the final stages of clinical development for Parkinson’s disease. The oversubscribed Series B extension will fund the completion of a Phase 3 trial, FDA submission, and the groundwork for broader access to this non-invasive treatment.
Unlike traditional Parkinson’s drugs that focus on boosting dopamine to manage motor symptoms, Celeste delivers specific wavelengths of light to the eyes, aiming to recalibrate circadian rhythms, support mitochondrial function, and reduce neuroinflammation. These biological pathways are increasingly recognized as key players not just in Parkinson’s motor decline but also in non-motor symptoms like sleep disturbance, mood changes, and fatigue—areas where current treatments often fall short.
PhotoPharmics’ ongoing “Light for PD” trial, now enrolling over 200 participants, has already shown promise in earlier studies, suggesting that regular evening light therapy can improve both movement and the often-overlooked non-motor symptoms that erode quality of life. Designed for daily, passive use at home—think sitting in front of the device while reading or watching TV—Celeste aims to offer a convenient therapy that fits seamlessly into patients’ routines.
The device has earned FDA Breakthrough Device Designation, reflecting its potential to address a serious unmet need. While the early signals are encouraging, the upcoming Phase 3 results will be critical to confirm its long-term benefits and safety. If successful, Celeste could usher in a new category of Parkinson’s care—one that goes beyond symptom management to support broader physiological resilience, particularly important as populations age and neurodegenerative conditions become more common.
