Fluo Labs, a medical device company on a mission to improve the quality of life for millions of allergy sufferers, today unveiled Flō, a breakthrough device that promises to dramatically improve the way people manage Allergic Rhinitis (AR) — more commonly known as hay fever. With a successful clinical trial under its belt, the working prototype treats AR by using light therapy to inhibit the release of histamines and reduce inflammation – effectively acting as a natural antihistamine. The new device is affordable, easy-to-use, drug-free and provides rapid relief with no known side effects and no prescription needed. Created by a team of experts in the fields of light therapeutics, antihistamines, and nasal steroids, the technology is the result of more than 15 years of cutting-edge research, preclinical and clinical development. Fluo Labs has two additional clinical trials planned and is pursuing FDA approval for the use of the device as an OTC device. Flō is expected to be available for purchase in late 2021.
Allergic Rhinitis (AR) causes a wide variety of misery-inducing symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, headaches and fatigue. To add insult to injury, climate change has lengthened the average allergy season, prolonging and intensifying people’s suffering.To treat AR symptoms, many people turn to over-the-counter allergy medications and immunotherapy. While these medications work for many people, they may not be the right solution for everyone and carry the added risk of side effects that could be even more problematic than the original hay fever symptoms.
“For consumers who are seeking non-drug solutions, there has been no single natural remedy that can do the job of providing efficient symptom relief in a convenient treatment – until now,” said Jan Enemaerke, Fluo Labs’ Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder. “Our device will provide welcome relief to the millions of allergy sufferers around the world, especially for those who don’t want to or cannot take medication due to contraindications, pregnancy, heart or thyroid conditions and job restrictions.”
Flō treats AR through a light therapy known as photobiomodulation. Used by the medical community for pain relief, inflammation reduction, wound healing and tissue regeneration, photobiomodulation operates a beneficial photochemical effect where light engenders a chemical change as it is absorbed by the body’s tissue. In other words, the transformation of light to energy triggers a complex set of physical and chemical reactions that can enhance the cells’ performance and health responses.
At under $100, the allergy device is a one-time purchase that will last through multiple allergy seasons, making each treatment less expensive than antihistamines or corticosteroids, especially for moderate and severe sufferers who must consume drugs for extended periods of time. is also one of four finalists of the P&G Ventures CES Innovation Challenge.
How It Works
Flō uses a patented light delivery system of safe light that defends the nose against allergens. Fluo Labs’ scientists have identified the optimal therapeutic window – that precise balance of wavelength, dosage, power and pulse structure – that can effectively inhibit the release of histamines while also working to reduce inflammation. This means that the therapeutic light emitted by the device works as a natural antihistamine that has no known side effects.
The allergy treatment takes less than 20 seconds. To use, simply:
- Hold the device up to your nostril
- Click the button for 10 seconds of light therapy
- Repeat in the other nostril
- Repeat steps 1-3 as needed once or twice a day.
Clinical Studies
Fluo Labs conducted an IRB-sanctioned pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the first version of the device in reducing symptoms of ragweed allergic rhinitis. The study yielded a 31% improvement in the Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) over baseline. The TNSS score measures congestion, itching, runny nose and sneezing and compares results over a 14-day period to a baseline. TNSS is the gold standard in allergy tests. The results from the Fluo Labs pilot study were significant and superior to what is generally achieved with antihistamines, with the added benefit of no known side effects. Fluo Labs currently has two clinical studies planned in 2021.
Consumers who are interested in purchasing the medical device can sign up for the waitlist at: https://www.fluolabs.care/join-the-waitlist.
About Fluo Labs
Fluo Labs is a medical device company on a mission to improve the quality of life for millions of allergy sufferers. Fluo Labs’ founders have decades of industry experience in the development of cutting-edge, light-based medical devices and extensive experience in multiple pharma and biotech therapeutic areas including virology, rhinitis drug therapies and light therapeutics. It’s first product, allows people to treat the symptoms of allergic rhinitis through a natural, clean, over-the-counter remedy. To learn more, visit: https://www.fluolabs.care/.
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