Phlecs closes funding round for launch of next-generation home-use phototherapy in Europe

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Vlissingen, The Netherlands – November 4, 2026 –

Phlecs Light & Health has successfully closed a new funding round to accelerate the development and commercialization of its next-generation home-use phototherapy solution. In the Netherlands, more than 800,000 patients suffer from eczema and psoriasis. Our innovative blue light therapy offers an effective, safe, and convenient treatment option. By expanding into other European markets and the United States, we aim to reach a potential patient population of more than 50 million people.

The funding is a significant milestone for Phlecs and provides the necessary resources to further develop the new home therapy platform, from product development and clinical validation to regulatory procedures, in view of the planned launch in Europe in 2028.

The funding round brings together Impuls Zeeland and a group of private investors from Zeeland within the AddVision network. This combines regional investment expertise with experienced private capital committed to innovation in healthcare.

A shared ambition for sustainable healthcare

Inflammatory skin conditions are chronic conditions that can have a major impact on sleep, daily activities, and quality of life. For many patients, treatment requires continuous or repeated care over many years.

By enabling more treatments at home, Phlecs aims to contribute to a broader transition towards accessible, patient-centered, and sustainable healthcare, while maintaining close collaboration between patients and their care providers.

The successful funding round enables Phlecs and its partners to continue this journey with the ambition to make the next generation of home-use phototherapy available to European patients starting in 2028.

Phototherapy closer to the patient

Phlecs is developing a new generation of home-use phototherapy, designed to make effective light therapy more accessible to patients outside the hospital or dermatology clinic.

The home-use device is being developed in collaboration with a consortium of partners from Zeeland and West Brabant. The development program is supported by an OPZuid grant co-financed by the European Union, the Dutch government, and the Province of Zeeland. It brings together expertise in the fields of medical technology, clinical care, product development, and implementation in healthcare.

The goal is to create a patient-friendly home treatment solution based on Phlecs’ medical blue light technology. This solution offers a UV-free and drug-free approach to inflammatory skin conditions.

Traditional UV phototherapy has played an important role in dermatology for decades and can offer an effective treatment for patients with eczema and psoriasis. However, widespread home use remains a challenge, as the fluorescent lamps traditionally used to generate therapeutic UV light are increasingly suffering from European restrictions on mercury-containing lighting technologies.

Phlecs views this transition as an opportunity to develop a new generation of phototherapy based on modern LED technology, specifically designed for the needs of patients being treated at home.

From clinical innovation to home treatment

Phlecs’ technology utilizes medical blue light instead of ultraviolet radiation. The company has already developed whole-body blue light systems for professional use and is now translating its technology and clinical experience into a dedicated platform for home use.

The new generation builds on Phlecs’ experience in treating inflammatory skin conditions and introduces technologies aimed at improving treatment control, ease of use, and personalization in the home environment.

David Aubert, CEO of Phlecs Light & Health, said:

“Completing this funding round is a significant step for Phlecs. It enables us to transition from a proven clinical technology to a new generation of phototherapy that can ultimately be used by patients at home. Together with our investors, our regional partners, and the OPZuid consortium, we now have the foundation to bring this innovation through the development and clinical validation phases to the European market.” The funding will support the next development phases, including the engineering and industrialization of the device for home use, clinical studies, regulatory certification, and preparations for the market launch.

Michel Carol, Project Manager at AddVision and leader of the Zeeland Informal Investing Network, added:

“The Zeeland Informal Investing Network (ZIIN) bridges the gap between Zeeland investors and innovative Zeeland companies. Entrepreneurs play a crucial role in the financing and further development of young and innovative companies.

Phlecs’ ambition and plans align with ZIIN’s vision; it is a young and innovative company with great potential for Zeeland. The development of the new platform for home therapy involves close collaboration with a large number of partners from Zeeland and West Brabant. Therefore, the investors are happy to support Phlecs in this development and its commercial rollout.”

Rosco Ephraim, Investment Manager at Inpuls Zeeland, added:

“Phlecs demonstrates how technological innovation and societal impact come together. Through Impuls Zeeland, we supported Phlecs at an early stage with financing and their grant application, and subsequently gave them a warm introduction to the Zeeland network. This has led to a great collaboration and a joint investment with Zeeland investors. Our role therefore goes beyond financing alone: ​​we connect entrepreneurs with the right knowledge, partners, and investors to advance both innovations and the Zeeland economy.”

About Phlecs Light & Health

Phlecs Light & Health is a Zeeland-based medical technology company that develops innovative light-based treatments for inflammatory skin conditions. Building on technology from Philips Research, Phlecs develops medical blue light solutions designed to offer a UV-free and drug-free treatment option for conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and chronic itching.

The company collaborates with healthcare providers, research institutions, and technology partners to develop phototherapy from clinical treatment to personalized treatment at home.

About AddVision:

AddVision stands for creating regional impact by making a significant contribution to the various transition issues in Zeeland.

Together with KplusV, AddVision is the driving force behind the informal investors network in Zeeland.

Informal investors are entrepreneurs who make risk-bearing investments in young and innovative companies. The investors contribute not only money but also their knowledge, experience, and network, thereby playing an important role in the development of these enterprises. The investor network aligns with the existing ecosystem in Zeeland and works closely with, among others, Impuls Zeeland, Dockwize, and Rabobank.  Zeeuws Informal Investing Netwerk | AddVision Projectmanagement

About Impuls Zeeland:

Impuls Zeeland is the regional development agency of Zeeland. Together with entrepreneurs, government bodies, and knowledge institutions, we are working towards an economically strong, future-proof, and sustainable Zeeland. We strengthen the innovative capacity and international position of companies, invest in promising developments, and connect parties around societal challenges such as the energy transition, the circular economy, and digitalization. In doing so, we accelerate innovation, strengthen the Zeeland economy, and build the delta of the future.

www.impulszeeland.nl

About the development program 

The Phlecs home phototherapy program is being developed in collaboration with a consortium of partners from Zeeland and West Brabant. The project is supported by the OPZuid program and co-financed by the European Union, in support of innovation and economic development in the Southern Netherlands.

(https://www.phlecs.com/home-phototherapy/ )

Contact

Phlecs Light & Health

Vlissingen, Nederland

www.phlecs.com

David.aubert@phlecs.com.

Phlecs announces a clinical breakthrough in treatment of eczema and secures a grant to develop itsnext-generation device

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Terneuzen, Nederland
29 May 2025


On May 1, 2025, a new study from the Dermatology Clinic in Bad Bentheim, Germany, was presented at the German Dermatology Congress (DDG) in Berlin (abstract in German under number FV02/07 at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ddg.15782_g ).

In this prospective pilot study, 150 patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis were randomized into three treatment groups, receiving either UVB narrow band, UVA1, or blue light therapy. Blue light therapy uses UV-free light in the 420 to 490 nm wavelength range, eliminating typical side effects such as solar dermatitis and reducing long-term risks like carcinogenicity due to the absence of UV radiation. The findings revealed significant improvements across all groups in itching and clinical scores. Notably, blue light therapy demonstrated for the first time non-inferiority to both UV-based therapies. Improvements in quality of life were also consistent across all treatment arms.

Due to the upcoming EU ban on fluorescent UV lamps set for February 2027, and the resulting impact on global availability and rising costs of UV lamps, traditional UV phototherapy is expected to come under significant pressure. This makes these study’s results particularly relevant: full-body blue LED therapy is emerging as a promising and accessible treatment option for patients with atopic dermatitis.

Furthermore, clinical outcomes significantly improve when phototherapy is combined with balneotherapy, in which the patient takes a saltwater bath prior to light treatment. Blue light therapy therefore presents a valuable opportunity for physicians aiming to expand treatment options for eczema, particularly for the large population of moderate to severe patients who lack access to biologics and JAK inhibitors due to high costs or personal preferences.


On May 22, 2025, the OP-Zuid stimulus program has awarded €1 million for the development of a next-generation full-body blue light device, which will enable patients to receive treatment in the comfort of their own homes.

A consortium consisting of Unitron Systems (IJzendijke), DermaTeam (Middelburg), Customer Innovation Center (Roosendaal), and Phlecs Research and Development (Terneuzen) will collaborate on developing this connected home device to treat patients suffering from eczema and itching.

  • Unitron Systems is responsible for the development of the device.
  • DermaTeam is managing the clinical and product validation.
  • Customer Innovation Center guides the implementation into the healthcare system.
  • Phlecs leads the project and work on market access preparation.

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a common, chronic skin condition marked by dryness, red scaly patches, intense itching, and skin discomfort. In the Netherlands, approximately 400,000 people—around 2.5% of the population—are affected, including 160,000 with moderate to severe forms. Persistent itching often leads to scratching, which worsens the condition and fuels the “itch-scratch-itch” cycle, significantly impacting physical health, mental well-being, and quality of life.

Current treatments can be inconvenient, cause side effects, or be prohibitively expensive. In contrast, blue light therapy offers a drug-free, UV-free, clinically validated solution that can be used at home. The patented Phlecs full-body blue light home device is expected to launch in the U.S. in 2027 and in Europe in 2028, offering a new standard of care for eczema patients worldwide.

Dermatology clinics across Europe already have access to the full-body professional blue light system, enabling them to offer this advanced, UV-free therapy to patients today.

David Aubert, CEO co-founder from Phlecs:

“We are proud to demonstrate for the first time that blue light therapy is as effective as UV therapy—while being significantly safer. We’re equally thrilled to receive support from the OP-Zuid program, which will help us make our innovative technology platform more accessible to both patients and dermatologists.
UV-free blue light therapy offers a safe, effective treatment option for inflammatory skin diseases and represents a viable alternative to UV phototherapy, which will be phased out with the EU ban on fluorescent lamps in February 2027. This therapy not only holds strong clinical promise but also has the potential to reduce healthcare costs significantly, both in the Netherlands and internationally.
With such a strong consortium in place, we are confident that we have all the necessary expertise to develop a clinically effective and user-friendly solution that meets the needs of both patients and healthcare providers. Beyond healthcare innovation, this project will also contribute to the economic growth of the Province of Zeeland, boosting product development, clinical research, and local manufacturing, and leading to the creation of new jobs.”

Phlecs presents two significant clinical studies demonstrating the effectiveness of its technology in supporting patients with eczema and long COVID.

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Terneuzen, the Netherlands
December 3, 2024

The Medical University of Lodz, Poland’s largest public medical university, recently conducted two studies confirming that full-body blue light therapy is a safe and effective treatment for patients with eczema and post-COVID chronic fatigue.

  1. Eczema study

    Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) is a prevalent, chronic skin disorder characterized by symptoms such as dry skin, localized red scaly patches, intense itching, and skin discomfort. Its prevalence is substantial, affecting approximately 20% of children and up to 10% of adults. In the Netherlands, approximately 400,000 people have constitutional eczema, approximately 2.5% of the population. The relentless itch often leads to frequent scratching, exacerbating skin damage and perpetuating a distressing cycle known as the “itch-scratch-itch” cycle. This condition’s burden can significantly impact an individual’s physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.

    20 patients (age 9-45) with moderate and severe AD were included in the study. Treatment consisted of 10 irradiations with PHLECS Full Body Blue device. The results show after 10 sessions of full blue light therapy (453 nm) statistically significant improvements were observed in SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (-48%) and Itching Visual Analogue Scale (-40%). Moreover, statistically significant decrease in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was noted (-48%).
  2. Post-COVID study

    The MIT report assumes 450,000 patients, of which 90,000 patients with serious long-term complaints. The first report of a multi-year study shows that 9 out of 10 people who have registered with C-support suffer from serious fatigue, and 1 in 4 from depressive complaints or anxiety disorders. More than 90% experience problems with performing their social roles, and 4 out of 5 people work fewer hours or are unable to work.
    The clinical study comprised of 43 adults who underwent COVID-19 infection with a subjective feeling of fatigue 4 weeks after the infection. All participants underwent 10 PHLECS full-body blue light irradiation for 15 min a day for 5 consecutive days each week. All participants were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Short Form 36 Vitality Subscale (SF-36) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).
    Irradiation with blue light resulted in a significant decrease in FSS (-30%) and DLQI (-48%) as well as in an increase in SF-36 (+33%)

David Aubert, CEO, and Co-founder of Phlecs, commented on these promising results, stating, “These findings are highly encouraging, and we anticipate further studies will confirm the long-term effectiveness and safety of blue light therapy. At Phlecs, we remain dedicated to advancing our full-body blue light platform to support eczema and post-COVID patients both in the Netherlands and internationally.”

Recent clinical findings to aid individuals with eczema and enhance their emotional well-being

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On World Atopic Eczema Day, Phlecs presents an innovative treatment approach aimed at addressing both the skin condition and the emotional well-being of patients. 

Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) is a prevalent, chronic skin disorder characterized by symptoms such as dry skin, localized red scaly patches, intense itching, and skin discomfort. Its prevalence is substantial, affecting approximately 20% of children and up to 10% of adults. As of 2022, about 223 million people worldwide live with atopic dermatitis, with approximately 43 million of them being between the ages of one and four. The relentless itch often leads to frequent scratching, exacerbating skin damage and perpetuating a distressing cycle known as the “itch-scratch-itch” cycle. This condition’s burden can significantly impact an individual’s physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.

Numerous clinical studies have been conducted on UV-free blue light therapy, demonstrating its safety, effectiveness, and gentleness in treating inflammatory skin conditions and alleviating itch without the adverse effects associated with medication or the risks posed by ultraviolet (UV) exposure. The Medical University of Łódź in Poland has undertaken clinical research involving 20 eczema patients who underwent 30-minute sessions of blue light therapy using Phlecs’ Full Body Blue Light device. The results of this study were presented at the International Congress of Atopic Dermatitis in Gdansk (August 30 – September 1 2023) and indicated significant improvements in patients’ conditions after just 10 treatments (data on file). On average, eczema symptoms, itching, and overall quality of life improved by 40% to 50%, reinforcing previous research findings. What’s novel is that blood sample analysis revealed a remarkable 96% increase in serotonin levels, which could potentially contribute to improved mood and mental health among patients.

David Aubert, CEO, and Co-founder of Phlecs, commented on these promising results, stating, “These findings are highly encouraging, and we anticipate further studies will confirm the long-term effectiveness and safety of blue light therapy. This marks the first time we’ve demonstrated that blue light may enhance serotonin production, providing insight into why patients find this treatment highly favorable. One of the current limitations of (UV-)phototherapy is that patients must visit a clinic for treatment, which can be time-consuming. To address this challenge, Phlecs is actively developing a new range of UV-free blue light home devices that will be introduced within the next few years. We are presently raising funds to support and accelerate our expansion.”

About Phlecs

Phlecs is a Dutch startup founded by four former employees of PHILIPS, each with extensive experience in photo-dermatology. Over the past 15 years, comprehensive clinical research has been conducted on UV-free LED lighting for photo-dermatology treatments. At Phlecs, we firmly believe that blue LED light represents an effective tool for physicians and patients to manage the symptoms of itching and inflammatory skin conditions in a safe, effective, and cost-effective manner. Our first full-body professional device is CE certified class IIa and is currently available in Poland, Germany, and Denmark. We anticipate expanding our sales to other EU countries soon.

For more information: https://www.phlecs.com 

david.aubert@phlecs.com

Phlecs receives a new grant from EIT Health to start sales in Germany

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Twenty-nine scale-ups developing diverse healthcare technologies have been selected to participate in the Bridgehead programme. Among them is Phlecs, the Dutch start-up that addresses unmet needs in dermatology with UV-free phototherapy solutions.

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Dutch MedTech start-up Phlecs receives the innovation award at the International Ageing Fit Conference in Lille (France)

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Out of 25 European competing projects, Phlecs has received the innovation award at the Ageing Fit Conference on the 2nd of March 2022 for its Full Body Blue Light device (https://www.ageingfit-event.com/2022-innovation-pitches/ ).”

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PHLECS receives a 50,000€ grant from Metropoolregio Eindhoven

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Phlecs initiates the development project of a new generation of phototherapy blue light – UV free medical device: the Full Body Home Connected.

After the launch of a research device in 2020, Phlecs has recently made significant progress in the clinical validation of the blue light therapy to treat senile pruritus (elderly itching) and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Thanks to the grant from Metropool regio Eindhoven, Phlecs can start the development of a connected home device that can capture patient  biomedical data for personalized treatment and will enable future artificial intelligence-based services.

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Blue Light Therapy clinical investigations in Poland

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Interview of Professor Lesiak at the Polish national television – May 2021
English subtitles available

NEW STUDY ON BLUE LIGHT: The impact of non-toxic blue light (453 nm) on cellular antioxidative capacity, TGF-β1 signaling, and myofibrogenesis of human skin fibroblasts

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Blue light even at longer wavelengths shows antifibrotic activity and may represent a suitable and safe approach in the treatment of fibrotic skin diseases including hypertrophic scarring and scleroderma.

Link to abstract

PHLECS winner of the EIT Health’s Bridgehead Global program 2020

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Dutch MedTech start-up PHLECS has just been selected by EIT Health to participate in its Bridgehead Global program. After receiving the CE marking for its Full Body Blue Light device last March, PHLECS is now moving forward to its next business milestone: the introduction of this innovative therapy in the US next year.

Press release