The Future of Chemogenetics for the Treatment of Spasticity

The management of spasticity poses a significant challenge for both physicians and patients. This condition, often characterized by increased muscle tone, clonus, and muscle spasms, can be painful, disrupt daily activities, and increases the risk of injuries. First-line treatment for spasticity includes oral medications, such as baclofen, but these drugs can have significant side effects due to inhibitory effects on neural circuits, such as drowsiness and dizziness. Surgical approaches can be applied to patients for whom oral medications fail. However, these treatments can have life-threatening side effects or are irreversible. An emerging technology, chemogenetics, has the potential to provide targeted relief of spasticity, combining a non-destructive surgical approach with the convenience of an oral medication. This Current Opinion describes the current treatment approaches for spasticity, the pathophysiology of this condition, the current state of chemogenetics, and how this technology may be applied to patients with poorly controlled spasticity. Although the use of this approach is at an early developmental stage, we believe that it shows great promise.