Thank You!

Hi. You’re interested in phototherapy to treat the most debilitating and pervasive symptoms for most people with MS: fatigue and its sidekick “cog fog”. I was too. I tried it, and I had a great response. Let me tell you my story: I’m Kathy Reagan Young. I was diagnosed with MS in 2008, and I have been a full-time MS Advocate for over 12 years — you may have heard of my podcast or read my newsletter  – it’s called FUMS.

When I first met the Cytokind team, I learned that a lack of natural sunlight, more accurately, the lack of ultraviolet B light – or UVB – can increase the prevalence, severity, and disability associated with MS. And I learned that there have been FDA-cleared, at-home, ultraviolet lights used very safely and effectively in dermatology for decades. Neurologists have used these UVB lights in small MS trials and reduced inflammation and fatigue. Well, that certainly got my attention. I joined Cytokind as a patient consultant and tried an at-home light for myself.I started with just 1 minute per side per day, gradually increasing to 4 minutes over 30 days. After a month and a half, both my daughter and a colleague noticed an increase in my energy levels. They were right. I realized I felt better and no longer needed to lie down several times a day. Just like in the clinical trials, my blood tests showed reduced inflammation too.  This was a huge revelation to me – and the scientific community is excited too.

In the past year, Cytokind has met with the FDA to discuss its use for pediatric patients, proposed a clinical trial for adult MS, and had its trial design nominated for “Neuroinnovation of the Year” at the 2024 Consortium of MS Centers conference.

My decreased fatigue levels have continued even though I’m just using the light when I need a boost, or if I’m not able to get enough sunshine — like in the winter – or when it’s too hot for someone with MS to go outside. By the way, I didn’t have to wait for the trial, since these lights have already been FDA-cleared for dermatology for decades. So you can talk to your doctor about trying them yourself right now.

This is exciting. Signing up on the email list means I’ll send you updates on Cytokind’s research for UVB lights for MS, our progress toward FDA indications, and — I’ll give you a heads up of any clinical trials in your area. Congratulations on taking the first step and welcome to the light!