Luminate, a startup focused on developing wearable devices to combat hair loss during chemotherapy, is poised for commercial launch following essential testing. The company recently secured $15 million in funding, which will facilitate its expansion into at-home cancer care.
Since its inception, Luminate has captured attention with its innovative device, a helmet named Lily, designed to help patients undergoing chemotherapy retain their hair—a common side effect of the treatment. The device works by applying consistent pressure across the scalp, effectively blocking blood flow to hair follicles and preventing exposure to chemotherapy agents. According to CEO and founder Aaron Hannon, early trials indicated that 75% of participants were able to maintain a full head of hair throughout their treatment.
“Patients have completed between four and 12 chemotherapy sessions while keeping their hair. The positive feedback has been overwhelming, significantly enhancing their treatment experience,” Hannon noted. Initial tests showed minimal safety and comfort issues, with longer usage correlating with better outcomes. However, with only a limited number of patients involved in early trials, Luminate is preparing for a broader U.S. launch.
“The next phase involves a multi-center study in the U.S. aimed at securing FDA clearance,” Hannon explained. The trial will target locations in New York, Florida, and potentially Ohio, enrolling 85 patients over seven to eight months, with an anticipated start date in November.
In addition to pursuing FDA approval for Lily, Luminate is exploring further applications of its technology. The team has identified chemo-induced neuropathy—nerve damage in the extremities—as another prevalent side effect that their pressure-based technology could help alleviate. Their new device, dubbed Lilac, will function like a precision compression garment and aims to provide targeted relief.
Hannon emphasized the expedited development timeline for Lilac, noting, “While it took us two years to advance Lily from pre-clinical stages to patient trials, we expect to complete Lilac in just one year.”
Luminate’s broader ambition is to facilitate cancer treatment at home. Currently, oncology care relies heavily on specialized equipment found in clinical settings, making hospital visits burdensome for many patients. The increasing frequency of early cancer diagnoses and the length of treatment regimens have exacerbated the demand for accessible care.
“Our vision is to enable cancer treatments at home,” Hannon stated. Although the initiative is still in its early stages, Luminate is exploring ways for patients to conduct their own blood work and administer chemotherapy safely at home. This could include developing auto-injectors to facilitate treatment through existing subcutaneous ports.
As the trend toward at-home care for chronic and acute illnesses grows, Luminate aims to make home-based cancer treatment a viable option through ongoing investments in the field.
The recent funding round, a $15 million Series A led by Artis Ventures, also saw contributions from Metaplanet, Lachy Groom, 8VC, SciFounders, and Faber, along with individual investors. In the short term, Luminate plans to establish a clinical presence in the U.S., focusing on testing, training, and marketing as it advances through its clinical trials.
