Innovating healthcare with light: the story behind phototherapy patches

Two decades ago, inventor David Schmidt found himself on a mission to solve a critical problem for Navy SEALs. During their grueling "Hell Week," SEALs often endured 40-hour missions without sleep, relying on stimulants like caffeine and amphetamines to stay alert.

These substances, while effective in the short term, posed serious health risks, including heart problems. Schmidt was approached by the Department of Defense to create a wearable technology that could keep soldiers awake and focused without harmful side effects.

The result was the Energy Enhancer, a patch that harnessed the body's fat for energy, eliminating the need for stimulants. While the technology proved effective, Schmidt's collaboration with the Navy came to an end after 9/11, as military priorities shifted.

In 2004, Schmidt founded LifeWave, a health and wellness company dedicated to exploring the potential of phototherapy. By 2008, he shifted his focus to stem cell research, envisioning it as the future of healthcare. His vision would lead to the creation of the X39 patch, a groundbreaking phototherapy device that took over a decade and $4–5 million to develop.

The science of phototherapy

The X39 patch represents a revolution in non-invasive health technology. At its core, the patch activates a copper peptide known as GHK-Cu, which is clinically proven to stimulate the body's own stem cells. Users report improved energy levels, reduced inflammation and enhanced antioxidant activity ... all achieved through light therapy.

The technology relies on the body's natural infrared light emissions. The patch contains organic compounds like salt, sugar, water, amino acids and oxygen, which act as a reflector, directing specific light frequencies back into the body. This process triggers biological changes without introducing any substances into the body. Importantly, the patches work without the need for sunlight or external light sources, making the wearer their own light source.

A global impact

Since its founding, LifeWave has expanded to operate in 80 countries and now generates $600 million in annual revenue. Backed by 180 patents and 95 clinical studies, the company has positioned itself as a leader in the growing field of phototherapy and non-invasive health solutions.

The X39 patch, classified as a wellness device by the FDA, focuses on symptom improvement rather than direct treatment. This aligns with a broader shift in healthcare toward preventative and restorative approaches using light and sound frequency technologies.

As the world increasingly embraces innovative health solutions, David Schmidt's journey from solving problems for Navy SEALs to transforming stem cell activation may just be the beginning of a new era in wellness.

Claudia Baker writes on health, science, and innovation, exploring the intersection of technology and human well-being. A Brand Partner in Lifewave she can be reached at (661) 557-7684 for more information.