Neuralink begins enrollment for its first-in-human clinical trial

Neuralink, the brain-chip startup founded by Elon Musk, has received approval from an independent review board to launch the first human trial of its brain implant designed for paralysis patients.

This trial aims to help individuals with paralysis caused by cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Although the exact number of participants is undisclosed, the trial is expected to last approximately six years.

During the study, the robot will surgically implant a brain-computer interface (BCI) device into a specific area of the brain responsible for the intention to move. The initial goal of Neuralink is to enable people to control a computer cursor or keyboard solely with their thoughts.

Initially, the company aimed to implant its devices in ten patients but adjusted the number in negotiations with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to safety concerns. The precise number of patients approved by the FDA remains undisclosed.

Neuralink has ambitious plans for its technology, envisioning using it to treat a variety of conditions, including obesity, autism, depression and schizophrenia. According to experts, even if the technology proves to be safe, it could take more than a decade to get approval for commercial use of the BCI device for humans.