Chemogenetics

Chemogenetics / DREADD: a technique that genetically inserts artificial receptors into specific neurons so that taking a drug which is otherwise nearly inert excites or inhibits only those neurons. Seven human clinical trials targeting epilepsy, Parkinson's, and pain. The current limitation is that an AAV virus has to be injected directly via brain surgery, but the technology itself is very promising, and once more specific cell targeting + safer drugs + non-invasive delivery become possible, it could become a far more precise treatment platform for neurological disorders than DBS.