Researchers have been exploring the potential of laser light therapy in a number of disease states for quite a while.
Poulsbo, Washington startup LumiThera is developing an LED light-based instrument, for use in an ophthalmologist’s office, to treat the dry form of acute macular degeneration. The company uses low-level light therapy, or LLLT, in which patients are exposed to low-level laser lights to stimulate cellular function.
LumiThera says patients with dry acute macular degeneration have improved eyesight in its pilot clinical study with low-level laser therapy, with up to one year follow-up. It is raising $3 million to expand this technology, according to a regulatory filing. Thus far, it has raised $325,000.
Such phototherapy is already being used in physiotherapy, chiropractic and sports medicine, directing visible or near-infrared light from a laser to treat the problem points. It’s been deemed useful in a number of applications, particularly in arthritis and pain management.
LumiThera posits that the laser therapy – or photobiomodulation – can help enhance mitochondrial function. Basically, a protein involved in mitochondrial activity called cytochrome C oxidase has been shown as a key photoacceptor of light, the company says. By stimulating the retina with laser therapy, energy is created – which is needed to repair regions affected by the dry form of acute macular degeneration, the company said.
LumiThera last year received angel funding from Keiretsu Forum Northwest. It also has received $250,000 from the Life Sciences Discovery Fund. Calls to the company to discuss the new fundraise have yet to be returned.
