LIGHT SWITCH BIO

Welcome to Light Switch Bio

We are the first to develop photoactivated chemotherapies, a targeted therapy controlled physically by light rather than biologically by molecules.

By repurposing toxic systemic drugs into light-targeted pro-drugs, we aim to: avoid their costly off-target toxicities for patients, simplify care continuums for physicians, and revive the value of toxic drugs with de-risked pipelines for developers.

Like turning napalm into laser-guided missiles.

Photoactivated Chemotherapy

Risk Mitigation Systems

We select a light-releasable protective group (a "photocage") that can bind to a systemically administered drug and block its activity in the body but permit light of a specific color to release it unmodified. This allows the known drug activity to be targeted by a light source. Our team applies decades of research to make this approach a reality.

Pre-Clinical Development

For each indication of a photoactivated chemotherapy, we test for improvements in safety and efficacy against the repurposed drug in cells and animal models. As needed, we'll modify the formulation and correlate outcomes with fluorescent behavior in a dosimetry system to prepare a therapy that meets the FDA requirements for an IND.

Photocages often fluoresce with lower intensities of light, allowing their location and concentration to be monitored in the body. Taking advantage of this phenomena, our team also develops image-based systems for patient-tailored targeting and dosimetry of photoactive chemotherapies to optimize outcomes for unique geometries.

Pharmaceutical Pipeline Recycling

By repurposing underutilized drugs limited by toxicity issues or generics, we provide partnering pharmaceutical developers the potential to revive lost or unrealized market value. By repurposing drugs that failed in clinical trials due to toxicity issues, we provide the added potential to salvage the returns from sunk costs.

The Expertise You Need to Succeed

Pre-Clinical Right-to-Try Program: for the cost of development, we'll work with you to design a photoactivated chemotherapy for a specific drug and indication, develop it up to clinical readiness, and/or calibrate an image-based system to optimize its utility.

Clinical Licensing Program: for risk-and-market-based fees, we'll provide ongoing consultation and/or analytic services to refine patient selection and optimize dosimetry regimes to maximize value for a pipeline of indications for a photoactive chemotherapy.