Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-thermal light therapy that uses specific wavelengths of light, primarily in the red (600–700 nm) and near-infrared (NIR) (750–1100 nm) spectrum, to modulate biological processes at the cellular level. PBM is also referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or cold laser therapy. The mechanism of action is primarily linked to the absorption of photons by mitochondrial chromophores, such as cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) in the electron transport chain, leading to increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the release of nitric oxide (NO), which collectively enhance cellular metabolism and function.
Continued research and development is being conducted for each of the topics listed below, the result of which comes in the form of articles written to help educate and inform readers of the technology.
Background Science – Photobiomodulation Science
Highlights Laser acupuncture significantly improved speech comprehension, expression, and social interaction in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Treatment was
Highlights Acupuncture and laser acupuncture show effectiveness in reducing pain in temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Laser acupuncture demonstrates high efficacy compared
Highlights Low-level (LLLT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) are both effective for musculoskeletal conditions. Current evidence does not support clear
Highlights Pulsed and continuous photobiomodulation (PBM) may produce distinct biological effects. Pulsed light can reduce tissue heating while allowing higher
Highlights Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide, and there is still no cure capable of stopping
Highlights Well tolerated at multiple settings: Participants tolerated low, medium, and high tPBM settings well. Side effects similar to sham:
Highlights A randomized, sham-controlled pilot trial tested whether pulsed near-infrared transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) could support symptoms in children with autism
Highlights Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects more than 10 million people worldwide, causing tremor, stiffness, slowed movement, balance problems, and cognitive
Highlights Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a major cause of vision loss in diabetes and is driven by retinal fluid
Highlights Dementia affects millions of people worldwide and is a leading cause of disability in older adults. The aim of
AVANT – Literature Reviews
Highlights Violet photobiomodulation (PBM ~405 nm) represents an emerging modality within visible-light PBM. Violet light demonstrates strong antimicrobial and antiviral
Highlights Shoulder and neck pain are leading causes of musculoskeletal disability. PBM therapy shows consistent benefits for pain relief and
Highlights The gut microbiota plays a central role in immune regulation, inflammation, and brain function through the gut–brain axis. Intestinal
Photobiomodulation (PBM) with red and near-infrared (NIR) light has been extensively studied for its influence on mitochondrial activity, particularly adenosine
AVANT – Studies
Highlights Cold laser therapy (CLT) was evaluated as a non-antibiotic treatment for mastitis in organic dairy cattle. CLT reduced bacterial
Highlights: Preliminary, placebo-controlled pilot in rotating-shift firefighters (PBM n=3 vs placebo n=3): PBM was associated with better overall sleep quality
Highlights Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) causes pain, numbness, tingling, and reduced hand strength. A single session of low-level laser therapy
Highlights In a mouse model of inflammatory pain, Class 3B laser photobiomodulation (PBM) reduced pain sensitivity in a dose-dependent The
Highlights Laser photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-invasive therapy that modulates cellular metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress. A clinical study conducted
What a Preclinical Study Suggests About How It May Work Highlights: In a mouse model of inflammatory pain, Class
Highlights Safe at different settings: People tolerated all transcranial PBM settings well. Side effects like placebo: Reported side effects were
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects communication, behavior, and social interaction in millions of children worldwide. While traditional therapies focus on
Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects more than 10 million people worldwide, causing tremor, stiffness, slowed movement, balance problems, and cognitive decline.
Dementia affects millions of people worldwide and is a leading cause of disability in older adults. Medications often provide only
AVANT – Case Reports
Highlights In this case report, a middle-aged adult with persistent low back pain reported a complete reduction in pain after
Complete Remission of Chronic Low Back Pain Following Photobiomodulation Therapy: A Case Report Patient Information: Age/Sex: 54-year-old male Chief Complaint:
Highlights Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-thermal light therapy using red and near-infrared wavelengths. PBM acts primarily at the mitochondrial level, especially on cytochrome c oxidase. The therapy modulates ATP production,...
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Highlights Laser acupuncture significantly improved speech comprehension, expression, and social interaction in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Treatment was safe, painless, and well tolerated, with no reported adverse effects....
Highlights Cold laser therapy (CLT) was evaluated as a non-antibiotic treatment for mastitis in organic dairy cattle. CLT reduced bacterial counts compared to untreated controls. Laser-treated cows demonstrated lower bacterial...
Highlights Acupuncture and laser acupuncture show effectiveness in reducing pain in temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Laser acupuncture demonstrates high efficacy compared to placebo in meta-analysis. Acupuncture appears beneficial mainly in short-term...
Highlights Low-level (LLLT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) are both effective for musculoskeletal conditions. Current evidence does not support clear superiority of one modality over the other. LLLT may improve...
Highlights Pulsed and continuous photobiomodulation (PBM) may produce distinct biological effects. Pulsed light can reduce tissue heating while allowing higher peak power delivery. Evidence suggests pulsed PBM may enhance penetration...
Highlights Violet photobiomodulation (PBM ~405 nm) represents an emerging modality within visible-light PBM. Violet light demonstrates strong antimicrobial and antiviral activity across multiple pathogens. Biological effects include modulation of reactive...
Educational Resource Notice:
This page provides research summaries and background reading for educational purposes only. It is not AVANT labeling and is not intended to promote uses beyond AVANT’s FDA-cleared indications. Some studies summarized here involve specific clinical populations and outcomes; these summaries do not establish that AVANT is cleared to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results vary. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice.