PhotoPharmics Welcomes Three Renowned Experts to Its Clinical & Scientific Advisory Board
September 12 2024 - 10:00AM
Business Wire
Company Strengthens Its Leadership in Neurodegenerative Disease
Research with New Advisory Board Members
PhotoPharmics, an innovator in light-based therapies for
neurodegenerative diseases, proudly announces the appointment of
three eminent experts to its Clinical & Scientific Advisory
Board (CSAB). The new members—Dr. Charles H. Adler, Dr. George
Brainard, and Dr. Robert A. Hauser—bring unparalleled expertise to
the advisory board, reinforcing PhotoPharmics' mission to pioneer
groundbreaking treatments for Parkinson’s disease and other
neurodegenerative disorders.
“We are honored to welcome Dr. Adler, Dr. Brainard, and Dr.
Hauser to our Clinical & Scientific Advisory Board,” said Kent
Savage, CEO of PhotoPharmics. “Their expertise and groundbreaking
research are invaluable as we continue to develop our light-based
therapies. These additions underscore our commitment to advancing
innovative treatments that improve the lives of patients
worldwide.”
The addition of these three leading experts to PhotoPharmics'
Clinical & Scientific Advisory Board marks a pivotal step in
the company's mission to harness the power of light-based therapies
for neurodegenerative disease treatment. A brief background on each
includes:
- Dr. Charles H. Adler, M.D., Ph.D., is the Wayne and
Kathryn Preisel Professor of Neuroscience Research and a Professor
of Neurology at Mayo Clinic Arizona, where he co-leads the Arizona
Study of Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders. He has published
over 600 research papers, focusing on diagnosing and treating
movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor,
and dystonia. Dr. Adler’s research also includes exploring
biomarkers for early Parkinson’s diagnosis and investigating
chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). He has held leadership
positions in the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder
Society and received numerous awards for his contributions to the
field.
- Dr. George C. Brainard, M.A., Ph.D., is a professor at
Thomas Jefferson University, where he has directed the Jefferson
Light Research Program since 1984. His pioneering research examines
how light affects human neuroendocrine physiology and circadian
rhythms. Dr. Brainard is widely known for his work on melatonin
regulation, which led to the discovery of a new class of
photoreceptors in the eye. His research has applications in
treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD), developing lighting
countermeasures for astronauts, and improving lighting designs for
healthcare and architectural purposes. He has published over 100
research articles and received numerous awards, including NASA’s
Johnson Space Center Director’s Innovation Award.
- Dr. Robert A. Hauser, M.D., MBA, is the Director of the
Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center at the University
of South Florida (USF) Health Morsani College of Medicine. A
leading neurologist with over 350 peer-reviewed publications, Dr.
Hauser is one of the most cited experts in Parkinson’s disease. His
research focuses on developing new treatments for Parkinson’s and
other movement disorders. He is also highly regarded for his
expertise in clinical trial design and the development of outcome
measures that have become global standards in the field.
Dr. C. Warren Olanow, M.D., chairman of the
CSAB, added, “The inclusion of Drs. Adler, Brainard, and Hauser
significantly enhances our board's capabilities. Their unique
perspectives will guide our research and clinical efforts, ensuring
PhotoPharmics remains at the forefront of innovation in treating
neurodegenerative diseases.”
These distinguished professionals join an accomplished advisory
board, which also includes:
- Dr. Ray Chaudhuri, M.D. – A global authority on the
non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and professor of
neurology/movement disorders at King’s College London.
- Dr. Rajesh Pahwa, M.D. – Chief of the Parkinson’s and
Movement Disorder Division at the University of Kansas Medical
Center, with expertise in over 100 clinical trials.
- Dr. Joohi Jimenez-Shahed, M.D. – Medical Director of
Movement Disorders Neuromodulation at Mount Sinai Hospital,
specializing in deep brain stimulation (DBS) and digital health
technologies.
- Dr. Dan Claassen, M.D., M.S. – Chief of Behavioral and
Cognitive Neurology at Vanderbilt University, with a focus on
neurodegenerative disorders affecting cognition, behavior, and
movement.
- Dr. Amy Amara, M.D., Ph.D. – A leading researcher at the
University of Alabama at Birmingham, specializing in sleep
disorders in Parkinson’s disease.
For full details on the CSAB members, please visit here.
The Clinical & Scientific Advisory Board (CSAB) of
PhotoPharmics serves as a critical resource for guiding the
company’s research and development efforts. Comprised of leading
experts in neurology, movement disorders, and light-based
therapies, the CSAB provides strategic advice on clinical trial
design, scientific research, and the development of innovative
treatments. The board’s purpose is to ensure that PhotoPharmics’
products are grounded in the latest scientific evidence, meet the
highest standards of safety and efficacy, and address the unmet
needs of patients with neurodegenerative diseases. By leveraging
the collective expertise of its members, the CSAB plays a vital
role in advancing PhotoPharmics’ mission to improve patient
outcomes through groundbreaking therapies.
About PhotoPharmics
PhotoPharmics is a privately held, clinical-stage medical device
company pioneering the development of next-generation light-based
therapies for neurodegenerative disorders, with a primary focus on
Parkinson's disease. The company is currently conducting a landmark
Phase 3 clinical trial—the first of its kind to evaluate a
non-invasive light therapy device for Parkinson’s disease at this
level. The trial is underway and aims to assess the impact of light
therapy on both motor and non-motor symptoms, with the potential to
transform the standard of care for patients.
Building on over 30 years of innovation, PhotoPharmics' founders
have a legacy of pioneering light solutions, including those
acquired by Philips-Respironics in 2007. The company remains
committed to delivering safe, effective, and non-invasive
treatments that improve quality of life. For more information and
investor inquiries, visit www.photopharmics.com.
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Brett Walker Marketing Officer 801.361.6600
brett.walker@photopharmics.com