The largest U.S. Parkinson’s light therapy trial led by PhotoPharmics (American Fork, UT) surpasses 300 participants, expands to 19 states, testing an FDA-designated, non-invasive device aiming to improve movement, sleep, and quality of life.
American Fork, Utah - August 13, 2025
The largest U.S. clinical trial of light therapy for Parkinson’s has passed its original 300-participant target and is expanding to 19 states, including new sites in Illinois, Florida, and Arizona—regions with some of the nation’s highest Parkinson’s prevalence.
The Light for PD study, run by American Fork, Utah-based PhotoPharmics, is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial—the gold standard in clinical research—testing a non-invasive, FDA breakthrough-designated device designed to improve both movement and quality of life for people with Parkinson’s. Early-stage studies have shown promising improvements in sleep, mood, motor function, and overall quality of life.
“This expansion reflects both the strength of our science and the urgency patients feel for new, non-drug options,” said Kent Savage, CEO of PhotoPharmics. “We’re eager to see how Celeste performs in a geographically diverse population.”
Participants use the PhotoPharmics device daily at home, without altering existing Parkinson’s medications. The therapy delivers precisely calibrated wavelengths of light to the eyes, aiming to restore disrupted circadian rhythms and improve brain function related to Parkinson’s symptoms.
Illinois, Florida, and Arizona join a network of academic and community research centers across the U.S., with trial sites also in California, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and Washington.
Parkinson’s patients in participating states can check eligibility at lightforpd.com.
PhotoPharmics, a privately held, clinical-stage medical device company, has more than three decades of research experience in specialized light therapies. The founders previously developed circadian-regulating devices for seasonal affective disorder, sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression—technology acquired by Philips-Respironics in 2007. In late 2023 the company raised $16 million led by Kickstart (Salt Lake City).
