Neuralink begins human trial

Neuralink begins human trial

San Francisco, September 21, 2023

Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain chip startup, has started recruiting patients for its first human clinical trial. The study represents a major step for Neuralink and the broader brain-computer interface (BCI) market, which is expected to exceed $9.4 billion by 2032.

People with quadriplegia due to cervical spine injuries or ALS may qualify for the six-year PRIME study, which includes 18 months of home and clinic visits and five years of follow-up visits. Neuralink’s goal is to implant its brain-computer interface (BCI) into patients via a surgical robot, allowing participants to use their minds to control a computer cursor or keyboard.

The company originally targeted 10 patients, but is negotiating with the FDA for a smaller number due to safety concerns. The exact number of participants and start date will not be announced.