Philips launches BlueControl wearable blue LED light therapy device

Royal Philips has announced the launch of Philips BlueControl, a clinically-tested wearable medical device that uses blue LED light to control mild to moderate cases of psoriasis vulgaris.

Philips BlueControl will be introduced to international healthcare professionals at the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology Congress later this month in Amsterdam. In the UK Philips BlueControl will be available via Schuco International (London). It will also be available through distributors in The Netherlands and Germany.

Psoriasis affects around 125 million people worldwide, of which 80% suffer from the most-common form, psoriasis vulgaris. This is a condition caused by the overly rapid division of skin cells accompanied by painful inflammation. The physical and psychological effects of the skin disease can be debilitating, with patients suffering from scaly red plaques and peeling on visible parts of the body. Psoriasis vulgaris is an incurable chronic skin disease, so the plaques are recurring. Even if the disease symptoms are reduced or cleared during treatment, they can reappear on another area of the skin.

Research proves that blue LED light treatment slows down rapid cell division and can also reduce inflammation

Philips conducted two clinical trials in partnership with the University Hospital of Aachen to investigate the efficacy and safety of Philips BlueControl to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis vulgaris. In the second trial that took place over four months, patients were treated for 12 weeks. The results showed a 50% reduction on average of symptoms according to the Local Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) which measures the severity of psoriasis plaques (thickness, redness and scaling). No negative side-effects of the blue LED light treatment were observed.

Philips BlueControl has been developed to be easily integrated into a patient’s daily routine and reduces the need for physician’s visits. Worn simply by adjusting a strap on affected arms, legs, elbows and knees, the UV-free blue LED light therapy is enabled by 40 high-intensity blue LEDs with tailored light settings. Designed with the patient in mind, the battery-driven device can be used anytime and anywhere.

This research has enabled us to develop, for the first time, an unprecedented treatment device that can make a real difference to the lives of sufferers of psoriasis vulgaris

“Research proves that blue LED light treatment slows down rapid cell division and can also reduce inflammation. This research has enabled us to develop, for the first time, an unprecedented treatment device that can make a real difference to the lives of sufferers of psoriasis vulgaris,” said Matthias Born, head of clinical affairs for Philips’ light and health business.

LEDs for medical treatments require special features which exceed those of conventional LEDs, including high intensities and tailored adjustments such as pulsed LED light. Philips BlueControl is the result of rigorous research with clinical and academic partners and a complex optimisation procedure to enable medical grade features to be included in a compact, easy-to-use design.