Overview of the DREADDs chemogenetics and the patent landscape of their actuators

The ability to manipulate specific neural populations with high temporal and spatial precision has revolutionized our understanding of brain-behavior relationships. Among the most versatile tools in the chemogenetic arsenal are Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs). By introducing engineered proteins that remain inert to endogenous neurotransmitters but react potently to synthetic actuators, chemogenetics provides unparalleled control over neural circuits in vivo. With the field evolving, new designer ligands and designer receptors have been reported. This review provides an update on the latest advances in DREADD chemogenetics, focusing on the development of next-generation ligands and the patent landscape innovations driving the next era of precision neuromodulation.