Neuralink has announced that it has implanted one of its products in a human patient for the first time, NBC reports.
According to reports, the patient recovered well from the procedure. The company hopes that this operation will revolutionize the treatment of neurological disorders and paralysis.
Elon Musk said that his brain-science startup company Neuralink had implanted a device in a human for the first time, a possible step toward a product that Musk said would allow people to control almost any external device “just by thinking.” https://t.co/ALsMcIUtjC
— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 30, 2024
The FDA approved Neuralink in May 2023. This trial evaluates the functionality and safety of the implant using a robotic surgical system. The PRIME study involves surgically implanting ultra-thin brain signal transmission wires into the area of the brain associated with movement. Neuralink believes that this technology could enable individuals to use digital devices such as cursors and keyboards… simply by thinking about them.
Musk announced that his company’s first product would be Telepathy, which aims to control electronic devices simply by thinking. Musk explained that the first device was intended to help people who have lost the function of a limb.
Neuralink’s journey has not been without controversy. In December 2022, Reuters reported that around 1,500 animals had died during testing.
However, no violations were discovered during an investigation by the US Department of Agriculture.
The regulatory environment will come under increasing scrutiny as the field of brain-computer interfaces progresses. The FDA published its preliminary opinion on brain-computer interfaces in 2021. It noted the rapid progress made by the industry.
The first human received an implant from @Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well.
Initial results show promising neuron spike detection.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 29, 2024
The technological and scientific community, as well as the patients who will benefit most from this technology, are closely monitoring trials and developments.