Modulight raises $12 million to develop an optogenetic therapy for nerve pain
The Boston start-up uses light-sensitive proteins to switch neurons on and off, starting with trigeminal pain.
Modulight Biotherapeutics has raised a $12.2 million seed round led by Jibe Ventures and LocalGlobe to develop an optogenetic therapy, which makes specific neurons controllable with light. Its first target is trigeminal pain, a severe facial nerve pain, with epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor as later goals. The company plans to begin the studies needed before applying to start human trials.
Optogenetics has transformed animal research, but bringing it to patients requires gene delivery and implanted light sources, so human use remains early.
Learn more: Optogenetics