Neuralink gets approval for human trial

Elon Musk’s Neuralink has secured approval from an independent review board to initiate the first human trial of its brain implant designed for paralysis patients.

The volunteer human trial, spanning six years, aims to assist individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The exact number of participants remains confidential, and one can check eligibility at Neuralink’s Patient Registry.

How does it work?
The PRIME study, short for Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface, will employ a robot to precisely place Neuralink’s brain-computer interface (BCI) implant in the brain area that governs movement intention.

BCI’s initial objectives will be to enable the patient to move cursor and keyboard control via thoughts.

But it may take a decade
Despite safety assurances, experts suggest that it may take at least 10 years for commercial clearance. 

While awaiting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety deliberations, Neuralink also aims to combat conditions like obesity, autism, depression, and schizophrenia.