PhotoPharmics has appointed Dr. Robert A. Hauser as Chairman of its Clinical & Scientific Advisory Board. A global expert in movement disorders, Dr. Hauser will guide the company’s neurodegenerative research, including its Phase 3 Parkinson’s phototherapy study.
Lehi, Utah-based PhotoPharmics, a leader in specialized phototherapy for neurodegenerative diseases, has named Robert A. Hauser, MD, MBA, as Chairman of its Clinical & Scientific Advisory Board (CSAB). Dr. Hauser steps into the role following the passing of Warren Olanow, MD, FRCPC, a visionary in Parkinson’s disease research and a longtime advocate for advancing patient care.
Honoring a Legacy, Embracing the Future
“Dr. Olanow was not only a pioneer in neurodegenerative research but also a respected leader whose insights helped shape our advisory board’s strategic direction,” said Kent Savage, CEO of PhotoPharmics. “His contributions were invaluable, and he will be deeply missed.”
Dr. Hauser, a globally recognized expert in movement disorders, has been a key member of the CSAB. As Director of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center at the University of South Florida, he has led groundbreaking clinical research that has advanced treatment options for Parkinson’s patients.
A New Era of Leadership
“I am honored to follow in Dr. Olanow’s footsteps,” said Dr. Hauser. “PhotoPharmics’ commitment to innovation and improving the lives of people with neurodegenerative diseases aligns perfectly with my mission. I look forward to working with the board to drive meaningful advancements.”
Savage emphasized the significance of Dr. Hauser’s appointment: “His expertise in movement disorders and patient-centered care makes him uniquely qualified to lead us into this next chapter. As we honor Dr. Olanow’s legacy, we are confident that Dr. Hauser will continue to drive innovation with passion and vision.”
Guiding the Future of Neurodegenerative Care
The CSAB plays a pivotal role in PhotoPharmics’ mission, providing strategic and scientific oversight to ensure the company’s innovations address critical patient needs. Comprised of leading experts in neurology, movement disorders, and clinical research, the board helps steer the company toward groundbreaking developments in neurodegenerative care.
This leadership transition comes at a crucial time as PhotoPharmics advances its Light for PD Phase 3 pivotal study, evaluating a specialized phototherapy device aimed at improving quality of life for Parkinson’s patients.
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s, affecting roughly 1% of people over 60 worldwide. It is the most prevalent movement-related neurological condition.
This progressive disorder impacts movement, coordination, and essential bodily functions. Its symptoms develop gradually, making diagnosis challenging. Identifying Parkinson’s often requires a thorough medical history, neurological evaluations, and, in some cases, advanced imaging tests to confirm the condition.
PhotoPharmics is a clinical-stage medical device company focused on developing next-generation phototherapy treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease. With over 30 years of research in specialized light therapies, its founders have previously developed solutions widely used for circadian rhythm regulation, seasonal affective disorder, sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression—technology later acquired by Philips-Respironics in 2007.
Building on this foundation, PhotoPharmics is now pioneering phototherapy applications for neurodegenerative diseases, aiming to deliver safe, effective treatments that make a real difference in patients’ lives.
For more information, visit www.photopharmics.com.