Start-up recognised for device to treat itching

Out of 25 European competing projects, Phlecs has received the innovation award at the Ageing Fit Conference for its Full Body Blue Light device.

Itching is highly prevalent among the older adults. Studies in the Netherlands and in Denmark show that up to 50% of nursing home residents suffer from chronic itching. Furthermore, comorbidities such as ‘hypertension’ - affecting more than 70% of the people aged 65 years plus- and ‘depression’ that raises up to 50% in the nursing home population.

Current treatments have important limitations, because of overmedication, potential side effects and the time it requires to provide skin care, when care givers capacity is scarce. Because of that, adherence to treatments is low and this significantly impacts the quality of life of our parents and grandparents.

Phlecs is 3 years old but leverages more than 15 years of clinical research and technology development originated at Philips. Studies show that blue light, that is UV-free so easy and safe to administrate, is effective to reduce itching, hypertension, and depression. These clinical results are confirmed with the most recent studies conducted at the Universities of Lodz in Poland and Düsseldorf in Germany using the Full Body Blue Light device developed by Phlecs.

David Aubert, Phlecs CEO and co-founder said: “Phlecs is delighted to receive the Ageing Fit 2022 innovation award, for their Full Body Blue Light device that leverages more than 15 years of clinical research and technology. Elderly itching impacts significantly older adults’ quality of life and current treatments have important limitations due to overmedication, potential side effects and the time it requires to provide skin care. Ageing Fit 2022 was the perfect place for Phlecs to introduce its innovation, the Full Body Blue Light, a phototherapy device that treats elderly itching, and related comorbidities such as hypertension and depression. Ageing Fit 2022 has been very successful for us, we have made many contacts with potential customers and partners. We are grateful to receive this award because it will help us to increase the market traction and convince investors for the Series A round, we have just initiated.”