 The healing powers of light are still much of a mystery to medical science. It is certainly common know-ledge that light has a positive effect on the body but Swedish company Biolight International have taken this concept to the next level. |
 Biolight International Founded: 1993 Publicaly listed: Yes Number of employees: 9 Key business area(s): Wound care, Dental care, Physiotherapeutic care Telephone: +46 8 622 52 70 Website Contact |
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the way forward in medical treatment Twenty years ago, Rolf Thiberg, head of research at Biolight International AB, started looking into the healing effects of light. Thiberg suspected that since light is electromagnetic energy, and our cells are electromagnetic systems, then light of the right wavelength, the right pulse frequency and the appropriate period of time must help the cells of the body to recover and repair themselves. Hugely effective After several years of clinical studies, Biolight is now producing mounting evidence that Biolight®, the company’s patented method for the healing of wounds, treatment of periodontal diseases and physiotherapy, is hugely effective in treatment. Christer Wallin, President of Biolight International AB, explains what makes the company’s technology so unique. “Biolight® is a unique method in many ways. We can offer pain relief, treatment of wounds and prevent injuries through a method that is absolut-ely free from serious side effects. This factor, together with the fact that the method is non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical, is an enormous competi-tive advantage for us.” Biolight’s unique technology is also versatile and can be used in a range of treatments as Wallin explains. “We concentrate on three business areas, namely wound treatment, dental care and sports injuries. In dental care, Biolight can actually decrease pain and reduce bleeding. In a recent marketing trial, ten dentists tested the technology for a period of four months and all of them placed orders with us.” Focusing its clinical research program In the field of R&D, Biolight has chosen to focus its clinical research program on two big indication areas - chronic wounds such as decubitus ulcers, and odontology such as gingivitis. "Decubitus ulcers in particular cause a lot of suffering, especially to elderly patients. The treatment of these wounds results in considerable costs to society every year, and the problem is on the increase. Biolight however can now present a unique method for improving medical care for patients with chronic wounds,” says Wallin. Longest standing competence The company is also collaborating with a number of the world's leading athletes who have used Biolight® to recover from injuries and training sessions. “Our competence in the treatment of sports injuries is the longest standing. Ever since the mid 1980s, the innovator of Biolight®, Rolf Thiberg, has collaborated with top-level athletes who have recorded positive results.” Exceptionally good treatment results Biolight is currently engaged in a collaboration project with two German sports clinics, with both reporting having obtained exceptionally good treatment results compared to existing methods. “With information from these studies, we have a most valuable basis for the commercialisation of Biolight® within Physiotherapeutic Care and we expect to start launching the product within a year,” adds Wallin. Limited resources The company has already come a long way in gaining acceptance from the market. Extensive scientific studies have established the usefulness of the method with two of Biolight’s main products having been CE marked and the company has also received ISO quality certification. These positive developments have in turn attracted new funding for Biolight. During 2000, the company secured funding for ongoing development work through a new issue which provided the company with SEK 40 M. However, Biolight remains a small company with limited resources but Wallin says this is not a barrier to the company’s progress. “After careful analysis, we have come to the conclusion that the best way for us to reach the market is through networks, co-operation and partnerships with well established players. This helps us keep our fixed costs down, and build a profitable business at an early stage. In the business area of wound care, our goal is to establish co-operation with one of the major, global players in the market for traditional wound care products and negotiations are already underway.” Commercial potential Wallin concludes by stressing that whilst a scientific data is one thing, a marketing acceptance is quite another and this is the final hurdle the com-pany must clear before Biolight fulfils its commercial potential. “Development work requires patience, which is sometimes in short supply in a fast-moving capital market but with the progress we have made, we are quickly approaching commercialisation of Biolight®. Our next step is to penetrate the different markets which means finding distribution methods, addressing the right customer segment, developing the right price structure and in short, packaging our offer in a way that makes it attractive to customers.” Nicholas
Mead |
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