A phase III trial of transcranial laser therapy has been discontinued after an interim analysis found no effect of laser therapy on patients' disability after ischaemic stroke. The transcranial laser device used in the trial was purported to provide energy to hypoxic mitochondria via near-infrared radiation, thereby limiting apoptosis. As soon as the results of the futility analysis were made available, venture capital groups liquidated the device manufacter, which seriously hindered the responsible termination of the trial and the reporting of results.