New DARPA Program Seeks Novel Neuromodulation Treatments
By Chuck Seegert, Ph.D.
A new research program from DARPA is focused on developing groundbreaking methods of maximizing immunological, physical, and mental health through neuromodulation. Currently, the agency is seeking proposals to help restore and maintain the health of military service members and veterans without surgery or drugs.
Abnormal activity in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is often involved in chronic inflammatory diseases and mental health conditions. Organ function may also be influenced by the PNS, which makes monitoring and the subsequent regulation of the PNS an interesting option for military service members and veterans. Unfortunately, current neuromodulation devices are relatively large, making implantation challenging. The lack of precision of these devices is also a significant drawback.
The current challenges related to neuromodulation devices often make them the last choice in a caregiver’s arsenal. The goal of DARPA’s new neuromodulation program, ElectRx (pronounced electrics), is to change that, according to a recent news release. The program objective is to target peripheral neural stimulation, which could lead to the promotion of self-healing and reduced dependence on traditional drugs.
The program seeks to stimulate research into ultra-miniaturized devices that require minimally invasive procedures to deploy, according to the news release. These new designs should deliver patient-specific therapy through technologies that monitor a person’s health status and then intervene as needed to restore a healthy physiologic state.
“Many chronic illnesses occur when the body’s natural neuroelectrical and biochemical rhythms are disrupted, like playing wrong notes in music,” said Doug Weber, DARPA program manager, in the news release. “ElectRx seeks to understand what the ‘right notes’ are for each person and provide real-time treatment to help the patient achieve and enjoy a harmonious, healthy baseline.”
DARPA expects proposals to focus on a disease of interest and find ways to study and treat it, according to the news release. The scope of this research includes neuromodulation approaches to treat inflammatory diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. Mental health disorders are another potential research topic and can include post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.
Full details on the agency announcement can be found at the ElectRx solicitation website.
Image Credit: DARPA