Neuralink, the controversial biotechnology startup founded by Elon Musk, has announced the opening of recruitment for its first human clinical trial. The company aims to offer brain implants to paralysis patients as part of the PRIME Study, which will evaluate the safety and functionality of the implant.
The trial will involve surgically placing a chip in the part of the brain that controls movement, with the chip recording and sending brain signals to an app. The initial goal is to allow patients to control a computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts alone. Those with quadriplegia due to spinal cord injury or ALS may qualify for the six-year-long study.
Elon Musk has been working on Neuralink’s goal of connecting the human brain to a computer through implants for several years. The company has previously tested the technology on animals, but this will be the first human trial. However, Neuralink has faced scrutiny, including the death of a monkey during testing in 2022.
In his new book about Musk, author Walter Isaacson revealed that the entrepreneur was inspired by science fiction authors to pursue the technology behind Neuralink. Musk envisions a “neural lace” that can be implanted into people, connecting their thoughts to a computer.
The announcement of the human clinical trial comes after Neuralink received clearance from the FDA and raised $280 million in a fundraising round led by Founders Fund. The company expressed excitement about this next chapter and its potential impact.
It’s worth noting that Neuralink has faced criticism for rushing to market, resulting in careless animal deaths and a federal investigation. The company has also previously forecasted human trials but faced delays due to safety concerns.
Before Neuralink’s brain implants can hit the broader market, they will need regulatory approval. The FDA has shown interest in brain-computer interface devices and published a paper in 2021 outlining its thoughts on the field.
As of now, Neuralink has not responded to requests for comment on the announcement of the human clinical trial.