Second Phase of Homegrown Parkinson’s Clinical Trial Strengthens Application of Light-Therapy in Reducing Patient Symptoms
SYMBYX proudly announces the publication of a world-first 6-month clinical trial for Parkinson’s using a new light therapy helmet. Improvements are recorded across all treatment groups.
SYMBYX, an Australian medtech company today announced publication in The Lancet (a world-leading medical journal) of a new clinical trial investigating the effects of its red and infrared light helmet on people with Parkinson’s. The trial was led by Dr Ann Liebert (PhD), Coordinator of Photomolecular Research based at the San.
The trial investigated both safety and efficacy of a new SYMBYX Neuro wellness helmet. Participants were split into two groups of 20 each, with one group receiving 12 weeks of active treatment and the other a placebo helmet. The initial placebo group then received 12 weeks of active treatment while the initial active group was rested for these 12 weeks.
After the initial 12 weeks, there was a strong improvement in both the active (25.3%) and placebo (19.1%) groups. “It is not uncommon to see an initial improvement in any placebo group, and especially in Parkinson’s trials,” Dr Liebert said.
The published trial manuscript reported an additional 30% improvement after the second 12 weeks in those patients who were originally on the placebo but were then switched to the active treatment, showing that the therapy is effective in reducing several motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, the original active group who were rested for the second part of the trial, showed almost no further deterioration after going untreated for the second 12 weeks.
The SYMBYX Neuro is a transcranial photobiomodulation (light therapy) device, which emits both red and infrared light therapy. Infrared light is invisible to the naked eye and painless. The treatment requires 24 minutes to complete.
“This world-first, triple-blinded light therapy trial with a control group demonstrates that transcranial light therapy (or photobiomodulation) is an effective complementary therapy for reducing Parkinson’s symptoms,” Dr Wayne Markman, CEO of SYMBYX said.
The standardised Parkinson’s Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS-III) was used to rate patient improvements, with a baseline test conducted on each patient before starting treatment, followed by a second test after 12 weeks of treatment and a third and final test after 24 weeks of treating.
The five areas tested included:
- facial expression;
- upper limb coordination & movement;
- lower limb coordination & movement;
- walking gait; and
- tremor
Parkinson’s is currently incurable. It is a progressive neurological condition caused by a lack of dopamine, a chemical used mostly by the brain to help initiate and control body movement. Symptoms include muscle rigidity, tremor, difficulty walking as well as depression, anxiety, compromised swallowing and loss of sense of smell. In addition to the 12 million people diagnosed worldwide (which excludes numbers from India and China), it is estimated that three to four times more people have undiagnosed early signs and symptoms. Parkinson’s is now the world’s fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorder and second only in prevalence to Alzheimer’s dementia.
Light therapy works in several ways to reduce Parkinson’s symptoms:
- Targeting cell mitochondria, where chemical energy known as ATP, driving all human life, is produced. Fatigue is a common symptom of Parkinson’s.
- Reducing inflammation by producing of anti-inflammatory biomarkers.
- Targeting the gut where neuro-transmitters, in short supply in Parkinson’s, are manufactured. Over 50% of our dopamine and 85% of our serotonin is produced in the gut. In addition to motor improvements, light therapy typically has positive cognitive effects including reduced brain fog, sleep disturbance, and constipation and also improved mood and motivation.
“The SYMBYX Neuro light therapy helmet is a critical new piece of technology for the symptomatic relief of Parkinson’s symptoms. Parkinson’s Disease has historically been an intractable, neurodegenerative condition that typically declines with no improvements possible. This decline is noticed through a deterioration of symptoms and a decreased quality of life for people with Parkinson’s. This makes these results so important, as the SYMBYX Neuro helmet users showed improvement across all measures,” Dr Markman said.
“Light therapy does not interfere with other Parkinson’s treatments, including medications. And the best results are always achieved in conjunction with a healthy diet, regular exercise, a realistic approach to treatment and support from qualified practitioners and caring friends or family members,” he said.
Earlier trials conducted in Adelaide (published in BMC Neurology UK, 2021) and Sydney (published in Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 2022), showed significant reductions in patient symptoms. Patients previously treated with PBM have returned to playing the piano, report being able to shop, carry groceries and garden more easily. Some have recovered their sense of smell.
Media Interviews
Dr Wayne Markman, SYMBYX CEO, and Dr Ann Liebert (PhD), Scientist are both available for interview.
For media enquiries, pelase contact:
Shannon Muscolino