Neuralink to conduct human clinical trials

The biotechnology company Neuralink, founded by billionaire Elon Musk, opened recruitment for volunteers for the first human clinical trials of neurotechnologies.

The PRIME study on the development of a wireless brain–computer interface aims to assess the safety of the implant and the surgical robot.

Neuralink will also test the functionality of a neural chip that enables people with paralysis to control computer devices with their thoughts.

During the tests, a calibrated robot under doctors’ control will insert an ultra-thin, flexible implant thread into the motor region of the brain. The device reads neural impulses and transmits them to a dedicated app.

Neuralink received clearance for human testing in May 2023 from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“The initial goal of our implant is to give people the ability to control a computer cursor or keyboard using only their thoughts. […] This is an important step in the mission to create a universal brain-computer interface to restore patients with special medical needs,” the company said.

People with paralysis of the limbs resulting from a cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis may apply for participation in the program.

In August, Neuralink closed a financing round for $280 million. The lead investor was Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund, which has backed SpaceX, Stripe, Paxos and other major organisations.