PhotoPharmics (Lehi, UT) has announced its remote light therapy trial for Parkinson’s disease has reached 200 participants. The company advances non-drug care for persistent non-motor symptoms like sleep disruption, fatigue, and depression.
Lehi, Utah - April 9, 2025
A novel clinical trial using light—not pills—is redefining Parkinson’s disease treatment for patients struggling with sleep issues, depression, fatigue, and brain fog.
PhotoPharmics, a Lehi-based pioneer in light therapy for neurodegenerative diseases, has just reached a major milestone in its pivotal Light for PD™ clinical trial for Parkinson’s disease: 200 participants enrolled, with subjects now completing their six-month study period.
The fully remote Light for PD™ trial from PhotoPharmics has reached 200 participants, hitting two-thirds of its target enrollment and making it one of the largest decentralized therapeutic studies ever conducted for Parkinson’s care.
Most Parkinson’s research today focuses almost exclusively on motor symptoms and pharmaceutical solutions. However, this trial seeks to support people with Parkinson’s who are often left behind by traditional studies: those who are stable on their medications but still struggling with quality-of-life issues that conventional treatments don’t address.
“This milestone reflects the urgent need for better options in Parkinson’s treatment—and the willingness of patients and clinicians to explore new, non-drug approaches,” said Kent Savage, CEO of PhotoPharmics.
Participants in the trial use a specialized FDA Breakthrough Device daily at home for six months. The light therapy, delivered through a non-invasive device, shown below (turned off for the photo) is designed to stimulate neural systems that regulate circadian rhythms and cognitive function—areas commonly disrupted in Parkinson’s disease.
The entire process is virtual: recruitment, onboarding, check-ins, and assessments are all conducted remotely. This approach not only increases convenience but broadens access to a population often underrepresented in traditional clinical research.
Unlike most pharmaceutical trials, Light for PD is actively enrolling individuals who are typically excluded from research. These include people with Parkinson’s who:
“Many people in this group feel invisible,” said Savage. “They’re not in crisis, but they’re not thriving either. This trial was built for them.”
As some participants begin completing their six-month periods, PhotoPharmics reports early signs of improvement in symptoms like sleep quality, energy levels, and overall well-being.
A participant from Arizona shared, “After years of feeling like nothing helped, this was the first thing that noticeably improved my day-to-day. And I didn’t have to leave my house.”
Light for PD is being conducted under FDA guidance and is expected to finish enrollment in the coming months. The study is open to residents across the continental U.S. who meet eligibility criteria.
“This trial isn’t about replacing medication,” said Dan Adams, Science Officer at PhotoPharmics. “It’s about filling a gap in care—helping people already on stable regimens who still suffer from symptoms that current drugs don’t touch.”
PhotoPharmics is a Lehi, Utah-based clinical-stage medical device company developing breakthrough light-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. The company advances a technology utilizing specialized light as a viable, non-drug treatment platform for neurological conditions—starting with Parkinson’s disease.
To learn more or check eligibility for the Light for PD trial, visit www.photopharmics.com/trial and check out Jimmy Choi's (America Ninja Warrior) video PhotoPharmics' April 2025 clinical trial