News Release：Tohoku Pioneer Agrees to Supply OLED Panels to PolyPhotonix for its Sleep Mask Treating Diabetic Retinopathy

Tohoku Pioneer Corporation, a consolidated subsidiary of Pioneer Corporation, agrees to supply state-of-the-art OLED panels (planned in spring 2021) for Noctura 400, a sleep mask used to treat diabetic retinopathy that was developed by PolyPhotonix Ltd, a UK based bio-photonic research company.

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye, which can cause blindness if left untreated. Aiming at reducing the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy and helping patients recover, PolyPhotonix’s sleep mask, designed to be worn at night, delivers a precise dose of light therapy during a patient’s normal hours of sleep in a home setting. The sleep mask equipped with a lightweight battery that does not interfere with sleep realizes long-term stable and sufficient light irradiation by adopting a highly efficient and long-life OLED panels newly developed by Tohoku Pioneer.

Richard Kirk, Chief Executive of PolyPhotonix says, “We are delighted to be working with Tohoku Pioneer who will be supporting our OLED requirements for Noctura 400 global volume growth. Together we can continue to save people’s sight during and after the pandemic. Current treatments for diabetic retinopathy are expensive, take up clinician’s time and require regular hospital visits. Our sleep mask can be used by patients at home, reducing the pressure on frontline hospital services and delivering cost savings.”

Masatoshi Yamaki, Director for Organic EL Business at Tohoku Pioneer says, "Tohoku Pioneer will supply state-of-the-art OLED panels to be the light source in Noctura 400, PolyPhotonix's sleep mask to treat diabetic retinopathy. We hope our OLED panels will contribute to the treatment being used for PolyPhotonix's sleep mask Noctura 400. "

Tohoku Pioneer will take advantage of the characteristics of the organic EL diode, which is a self-luminous element, and actively expand its applications not only for displays but also for special light source purposes beyond displays.

PolyPhotonix Ltd

PolyPhotonix, based in the North East of England, is a bio-photonic research company developing light therapy treatments for macular eye disease as well as other medical conditions.

PolyPhotonix (Official Web Site)

Noctura 400

The Noctura 400 Sleep Mask is a revolutionary monitor therapy treatment for home healthcare, which doesn't harm the human body and was developed to treat diabetic retinopathy, the most common cause of blindness in West European countries.

Tohoku Pioneer's OLED business

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