Noctura 400 non-invasive OLED diabetic eye disease treatment attracts US$10 million investment ahead of FDA clinical trial

The Noctura 400 sleep mask from PolyPhotonix has been available in the UK for some time now, and it aims to be a less-expensive and non-invasive treatment for diabetic eye disease (DED). The company behind the device has recently secured an important US$10 million investment lifeline from Prevail Partners with the goal to get the Noctura 400 sleep mask successfully through FDA trials. Passing this crucial clinical trial would lead to US market availability for the mask.

Millions of people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes will develop diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to vision loss and even blindness. Eyes demand more oxygen at night and this is a problem for diabetics as there is an inadequate oxygen supply. Hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) occurs and the retina becomes swollen as liquid from new oxygen-seeking blood vessels leak out. Eventually this can lead to diabetic macular edema and sight loss.

To try to prevent, manage, and treat DED, PolyPhotonix came up with the Noctura 400 sleep mask that contains a special pod containing two OLED units. The device shines green light at a specific wavelength so that the eye demands less oxygen, and it does so without disturbing the wearer’s sleep patterns. PolyPhotonix states that the non-invasive Noctura 400 is a lifelong treatment and should not replace laser treatment or intraocular injections at the moment.

Trials in the UK have shown the Noctura 400 sleep mask and monitor (it can track and send usage data) to be effective, with one report stating: “94 percent of the patients who completed the study saw clinical improvement or stability.” The treatment costs “under £3 per day” according to the product site, with an annual cost for a preprogrammed mask being listed a few years ago at up to £985 (~US$1,318; data from 2018).

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