Company: Photon Therapeutics
Co-Founders: Professor Sunil Shah and Dr Simon Dean
Website: https://photon-therapeutics.com/
About Photon Therapeutics
PhotonUVC Vet is a groundbreaking light-based technology developed to support veterinary eye care by harnessing the antimicrobial power of UVC light. The product was conceptualised and developed over a two-year period, and the product officially launched at London Vet Show in 2024. Since then, PhotonUVC Vet has gained recognition for its innovative approach to managing ocular infections and promoting corneal healing in animals, particularly in cases where traditional treatments offer limited results.
The development of PhotonUVC Vet came with significant challenges. Using UVC light safely on delicate eye tissue required extensive research, testing, and collaboration with veterinary ophthalmologists. One of the biggest hurdles was calibrating the light intensity and exposure time to ensure therapeutic benefit while protecting healthy tissue. Early prototypes struggled to achieve this balance. Some were too weak to offer clinical results, others posed safety concerns. Achieving the right parameters took months of dedicated lab work, iterative adjustments, and valuable feedback from clinical partners.
We also faced the practical challenge of creating a device suitable for busy veterinary clinics. With limited time and space in typical practice settings, it was vital to develop a product that was portable, easy to use, and required minimal training. Working closely with clinicians, we refined the design to make PhotonUVC Vet lightweight with intuitive controls, ensuring it fit seamlessly into everyday clinical workflows.
Beyond its immediate veterinary applications, PhotonUVC Vet addresses a major global concern – antimicrobial resistance. By offering a drug-free, non-invasive option to reduce microbial load on the ocular surface, it supports better patient outcomes without relying on antibiotics. This has proven particularly valuable in cases of infectious keratitis or corneal ulcers, where conventional treatments may fall short. Initial feedback from practices reported improved healing times and better recovery in complex cases.
The impact of PhotonUVC Vet on the medtech industry is twofold. Firstly, it represents a practical application of light-based therapy in clinical care, an emerging field with vast potential. Our success in veterinary medicine has paved the way for broader acceptance of this approach. Secondly, the technology challenges traditional norms in ophthalmic treatment by introducing a novel therapeutic tool that complements rather than replaces existing methods, providing clinicians with more options to manage challenging conditions.
A key milestone in our journey came with the approval for clinical human trials. This breakthrough opens the door for PhotonUVC technology to move beyond veterinary applications and potentially transform human healthcare. Our goal is to validate its safety and efficacy in human ophthalmology, with the long-term vision of offering a new way to manage ocular infections and promote healing without contributing to the global issue of antimicrobial resistance.
We are proud to support clinicians with innovative tools that improve patient outcomes and advance the standard of care. With PhotonUVC Vet, we have not only delivered valuable product for veterinary medicine but also laid the groundwork for future developments that could revolutionise human healthcare.
Check out what TechRound can do for your business: SEO, PR, HR Software, Payroll Software, IT, VoIP.
