Polyphotonix win North East Innovation Award

The mask delivers a precise dose of light therapy during a patient’s normal hours of sleep. It comes in two parts – a plastic ​“Pod” part, which is inserted into a soft cushioned Fabric Mask. The Pod contains the light sources which, when worn, emits light into the eyes through closed eyelids. Nothing is inserted into the eyes – the treatment is non-invasive. The mask is programmed to administer the correct dose of light each night as part of a continuing therapy.

The Noctura 400® treatment will revolutionise the treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy. There are currently two commonly used treatments. One involves frequent intraocular injections directly into the eye, this can be very unpleasant, and currently costs in excess of £10,000 per eye per year. The other is a laser treatment that effectively cauterises the affected and damaged blood vessels in the macula; the treatment is not permanent and only delays the inevitable progress of the disease, normally this treatment is only performed a small number of times on a patient. The Noctura 400® treatment is provided at a fraction of the cost and creates the opportunity to provide affordable treatment to the millions who are affected across the globe.

Richard Kirk, CEO of PolyPhotonix added: ​“PolyPhotonix are delighted to have won the Made in the North East Innovation Award 2014. The recognition represents the hard work that the team has put into creating a revolutionary therapy that will transform lives. The work undertaken by PolyPhotonix demonstrates world class innovation from the North East of England. It is proof that companies in the North East can provide game changing value for the UK manufacturing sector if they are able to think outside the box and innovate. Moving forward, PolyPhotonix hope to continue to provide the region with the opportunity for highly skilled jobs at the forefront of innovation.”