Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, begins human trial, testing to start with paralysis patients
Elon Musk believes that this chip can be used rapidly to develop treatments for conditions such as obesity, autism, depression, and schizophrenia.
Neuralink, the neurotechnology firm founded by Elon Musk, has cleared an important regulatory hurdle, securing approval for launching its first human trial. The study, stretched over six years, is focused on assessing the safety and efficacy of a groundbreaking brain chip implant in paralysis patients. The news came from the company itself on Tuesday, announcing a new chapter in the field of neurotechnology.
A recent report by Reuters suggests that this clinical trial, focusing on a revolutionary brain implant, could include patients paralyzed because of neck injuries or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(ALS). The aim? Test how effectively this implant aids the patients in controlling computer cursors or keyboards using just their thoughts! To reach this goal, a surgical robot will meticulously position the implant into a specific part of the brain associated with motor control.
The timeline for the study stretches over six years, but the exact number of participants remains covered in mystery. Neuralink’s initial plans involved implanting their device in 10 patients. However, FDA’s safety concerns led to a decrease in the proposed patient count, as per insights from current and former employees. The new count approved by the FDA is yet to be revealed.
While the company reported FDA approval for its groundbreaking human clinical trial back in May, it continues to wade through the processing phases. Even once Neuralink’s BCI device gains approval for safe human use, commercial mass production could take over ten years according to industry experts.
If you’re new to this technological revolution, here’s your primer: Neuralink, established by Elon Musk in 2016, is dedicated to creating an implantable Brain-Computer Interface (BCI). The company’s vision is formidable: the creation of a BCI that translates thoughts into actions, offering control over devices like prosthetic limbs and computers, while restoring lost brain functions.
Despite being relatively young, Neuralink has already achieved some significant milestones. In 2020, it showcased a working BCI that allowed a monkey to control a computer cursor purely with thoughts! Currently, the firm is aggressively working to adapt this technology for human implementation.
Grand plans for the Neuralink brain chip :
Elon Musk holds grand plans for the Neuralink brain chip. In his view, this chip can be utilized swiftly to provide treatments for conditions such as obesity, autism, depression, and schizophrenia.
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