PhotoPharmics Forms Commercial Advisory Board to Guide FDA Breakthrough Device Launch for Parkinson's Disease
Key Insights
PhotoPharmics (search) has assembled a Commercial Advisory Board of leading neurology and movement disorder experts to guide the market launch of Celeste (search), its FDA Breakthrough-designated phototherapy device for Parkinson's disease (search).
The board is chaired by Jordan Dubow, a movement disorders neurologist with over 20 years of experience who has contributed to more than 20 FDA drug applications and helped raise over $1 billion in biotech funding.
The company recently completed a $6 million Series B extension and has enrolled more than 200 patients in its Phase 3 "Light for PD" trial as it prepares for regulatory submission.
PhotoPharmics (search), a clinical-stage medical device company based in American Fork, Utah, has formed a Commercial Advisory Board (CAB) to guide the market launch of Celeste (search), its FDA Breakthrough-designated phototherapy device for Parkinson's disease (search). The board brings together leading experts in neurology, movement disorders, and medical technology commercialization as the company prepares for regulatory submission and market entry.
Strategic Advisory Leadership
The CAB is chaired by Jordan Dubow, MD, a fellowship-trained movement disorders neurologist with more than 20 years of clinical and industry leadership experience. Dubow has contributed to over 20 FDA drug applications and helped raise more than $1 billion in biotech funding throughout his career.
"Celeste (search) has the potential to fill a critical gap in Parkinson's care by addressing symptoms in a completely new way," said Dubow. "Our role on the Commercial Advisory Board is to ensure that people with Parkinson's know the therapeutic device is available and have access to the device when FDA grants market authorization."
The multidisciplinary board includes Jill Giordano Farmer, DO, MPH, a neurologist and program builder at Drexel College of Medicine (search) who has pioneered integrated care models for Parkinson's patients; Robert A. Hauser, MD, MBA, an internationally recognized Parkinson's researcher and Professor of Neurology at USF who also chairs PhotoPharmics (search)' Clinical & Scientific Advisory Board; and Drew Falconer, MD, Director of Inova Parkinson's & Movement Disorders Center and national educator on Parkinson's disease (search) and deep brain stimulation.
Additional members include Rajesh Pahwa, MD, Chief of the Parkinson's Division at University of Kansas and longtime leader of clinical trials in movement disorders; Philip Cyr, MPH, Senior VP at BlueRidge LifeSciences (search) with expertise in pharmaceutical commercialization, market access, and health economics; and Michael Soileau, MD, Founder of Texas Movement Disorder Specialists and frequent principal investigator in Parkinson's trials.
Breakthrough Device Technology
Celeste (search) is a phototherapy device designed to address Parkinson's symptoms through a non-invasive approach. The technology has the potential to fill a critical gap in care by working alongside existing drug and surgical options, representing a completely new therapeutic modality for the condition.
The device has received FDA Breakthrough designation, a regulatory pathway reserved for technologies that provide more effective treatment for life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating diseases where no approved alternatives exist or that offer significant advantages over existing approved alternatives.
Clinical Progress and Market Preparation
The CAB formation follows several key milestones for PhotoPharmics (search), including a $6 million Series B extension completed in April 2025 to accelerate trials and commercialization efforts. The company has also strengthened its go-to-market leadership with the addition of Samantha John as Chief Commercialization Officer and Greg Schneider as Chief Market Access Officer.
PhotoPharmics (search)' Phase 3 "Light for PD" study has enrolled more than 200 patients and is advancing toward regulatory submission. This progress represents a critical step in bringing the breakthrough technology to patients with Parkinson's disease (search).
Commercial Strategy Focus
Kent Savage, CEO of PhotoPharmics (search), emphasized the importance of market readiness alongside clinical success. "We're entering a decisive stage where market readiness is as critical as clinical success," said Savage. "This board brings unmatched expertise to help us navigate pricing, access and adoption strategies that will get Celeste (search) to the people who need it most."
The formation of the advisory board ensures PhotoPharmics (search)' commercialization pathway is informed by leaders who understand both the scientific aspects and market dynamics of bringing innovative medical devices to patients with neurodegenerative conditions (search).
Company Background
Founded in Utah, PhotoPharmics (search) is a clinical-stage medical device company developing light-based therapies for neurodegenerative conditions (search). The company's founders previously pioneered light therapy for seasonal affective disorder (search), sleep disorders (search), and depression (search)—technology that was later acquired by Philips-Respironics (search). With Celeste (search), PhotoPharmics is advancing the science of phototherapy to address Parkinson's disease (search) and potentially other neurodegenerative disorders.