Affiliation:
1. Emerging Innovations Unit Discovery Sciences BioPharmaceuticals R&D AstraZeneca 1 Francis Crick Avenue Trumpington Cambridge CB2 0AA UK
2. Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University Tufts University School of Arts and Sciences 200 College Avenue Medford MA 02155 USA
3. Wyss Institute at Harvard University Boston MA 02215 USA
Abstract
AbstractElectroceuticals derived from electronic and pharmaceuticals is a term coined to describe the therapeutic manipulation of neuronal signaling. In recent years, the complexity and range of applications of electroceuticals have grown considerably. Therefore, here a revised ontology and framework for defining electroceuticals that broadens the concept beyond neuron‐targeted interventions is suggested. This more inclusive framework aims to provide greater coherence and bring together different stakeholders to accelerate progress in this field. It is suggested that electroceuticals can be categorized according to the level of physiology for which they act: cellular, tissue, organ, and systemic. Emerging developments for each category of electroceuticals and future directions are discussed from a pharmaceutical industry perspective. Potential challenges are highlighted for translation of electroceuticals, such as a lack of clinical biomarkers and incomplete understanding of mechanisms of action and offer solutions for stimulating progress in this exciting field.