Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain implant company, has just received authorization from US regulators to start testing your innovative device on people.
The company made the announcement via Twitter, although no specific details were revealed about the study, which is not yet listed on the US government’s official clinical trials database.
While Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials have neither confirmed nor denied granting approval, FDA press officer Carly Kempler said in an email that the agency “acknowledges and understands” the neurallink announcement.
We are excited to share that we have received FDA approval to launch our first human clinical trial!
This is the result of incredible work by the Neuralink team in close collaboration with the FDA and represents an important first step that will one day allow our…
—Neuralink (@neuralink) May 25, 2023
Neuralink is one of several groups dedicated to developing interfaces that connect the nervous system with computers. these efforts they aim to revolutionize the treatment of brain disorders, overcome brain injuries, and explore numerous other applications.
Swiss researchers recently published a groundbreaking study in the journal Nature on an implant that restored communication between the brain and spinal cord, allowing a paralyzed man to stand up and walk naturally.
Elon Musk, owner of Twitter and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, mentioned last December that his team was seeking regulatory permission to test Neuralink’s device. The device, the size of a large coin, is designed to be implanted in the skull with ultra-thin wires that connect directly to the brain.
Musk outlined initial applications in humans, aiming to restore vision and help people with limited muscle control to manage digital devices more efficiently. In addition, he plans to connect brain signals to Neuralink devices in the spinal cord to help people with spinal cord injuries.
While the ultimate effectiveness and safety of this device and other similar interfaces remain uncertain, it is important to note that the Neuralink interface is currently classified as an “investigative device”. Clinical trials will provide crucial data on its safety and effectiveness.
