Charging Ahead: Examining the Future Therapeutic Potential of Electroceuticals

Abstract

Electroceuticals 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.