Leading scientists convene to discuss applications of bioelectronic medicine

In a first-of-its-kind gathering at the New York Academy of Sciences, researchers from some of the world's leading universities and institutions convened to discuss the various applications of bioelectronic medicine, the cutting-edge field that uses technology to treat disease and injury. While still in early stages of development, bioelectronic medicine has already been proven in studies and clinical trials to successfully treat conditions including paralysis and rheumatoid arthritis.

This new field of medicine is increasingly attracting the attention of scientists, corporations, and governments interested in the promise of helping the body heal itself without the use of drugs. The Key Symposium 2016: Bioelectronic Medicine — Technology Targeting Molecular Mechanisms, organized by The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, the Journal of Internal Medicine (JIM), Karolinska Institutet and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, gathered some of the most prominent names working in the field for two days of panels and sessions focused on everything from bioelectronic medicine's application in helping a paralyzed man regain control of his limbs to its potentials in the fight against cancer.

"Bioelectronic medicine is the convergence of science, medicine and engineering to develop cures, and it may change the future of therapies for a wide variety of diseases," said Kevin J. Tracey, MD, the Feinstein Institute's president and CEO, and a pioneer in the field. "Because the challenges and opportunities of bioelectronic medicine are both great, and because they bring together researchers from so many divergent disciplines, we were pleased to assemble some of the most accomplished and creative scientists exploring the possibilities of bioelectronic medicine into one big tent, and look forward to future breakthroughs and collaborations coming out of the event."

The symposium concluded with a panel entitled "What Life Will Be Like When We Can Fully Modulate the Nervous System: The Impact on Disease, Drugs, the Healthcare Industry, Personal Freedom, and Privacy." Moderated by PBS's science correspondent, Miles O'Brien, and featuring panelists from the Feinstein Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Sweden's Karolinska Institute, and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the panel explored the far-reaching benefits and consequences that are likely to accompany the ascent of bioelectronics medicine.

"It's a pleasure to see so many scientists from so many different institutions and disciplines under one roof, and it only furthers our belief that bioelectronic medicine is indeed the future of medicine," said session chair, Peder Olofsson, MD, PhD, director of the Center for Bioelectronic Medicine, Karolinska Institute.

Following up on this year's success, the next symposium will take place in the fall of 2017. To learn more about this year's event, visit http://www.feinsteininstitute.org/key-symposium.

Source: The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research