Neuromodulation 2.0: The Next Generation Of Device-Based Therapies For Treating Chronic Diseases

By Dr. Douglas Weber, Director of Neurotechnology R&D at Battelle , Associate Professor of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh

The neuromodulation device industry is enjoying a period of tremendous growth and diversification. A 2016 article by Neurotech Reports estimated the global market for neurotechnology products to be $7.6B, and is expected to hit $12B by 2020 . Neuromodulation devices, such as neurostimulators targeting the brain, Vagus nerve, and spinal cord account for the largest segment and represent some of the most mature applications of neurotechnology for treating diseases such as movement disorders, epilepsy, and pain. However, there are also several new neuromodulation devices under development aimed at less traditional applications, including sleep apnea, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.