Neuralink moves one step closer to viable brain-computer interfacing as it opens recruitment for first-in-human clinical trials

A few months after getting approval from the FDA for in-human trials, Neuralink, Elon Musk’s startup attempting to create viable brain-computer interface (BCI) devices for humans, has announced that recruitment is now open for the company’s first-in-human clinical trials. The announcement came after the company got approval for clinical trials from an independent reviewing board and the hospital where the trials will be taking place. 

Termed the PRIME Study, Neuralink’s objective is to determine the safety of both the N1 implant and the R1 surgical robot as well as to ascertain whether the implanted candidates can successfully interface with external devices like computers with their thoughts. Neuralink explains that the R1 robot will implant N1 inside the area of the brain responsible for controlling “movement intention”. The N1 implant will then try to record and send brain signals representing movement to a paired app that will attempt to decode these signals.

As far as eligible candidates are concerned, people with quadriplegia from either a cervical spinal cord injury or due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can apply for the trials. Neuralink suggests that people who meet the above-mentioned criteria should head over to their Patient Registry to see if they are eligible for the latest or upcoming trials.

Back in 2020, Elon Musk explained on the Joe Rogan Experience that Neuralink’s brain implants have the ability, in principle, to return vision to the blind, restore limb function, prevent epileptic attacks, and even treat Alzheimer's, among other things. Neuralink’s debut human trials are a meaningful step towards achieving these colossal goals.

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