Neuralink rival gets green light for extended brain implant trials

Precision Neuroscience, a U.S. startup founded just four years ago, has received FDA approval to conduct long-term clinical trials of its brain implant — a device designed to read neural signals and potentially help people with paralysis.

As reported by CNBC, the company previously could only test the implant for short durations — from a few minutes to a couple of hours — and only during brain surgeries. That limitation was due to the lack of regulatory clearance for longer trials. Now, the FDA has authorized tests that can last up to 30 days.

While the device won’t be fully operational under these conditions, researchers will be able to study brain activity in greater depth and translate neural signals into computer commands. The approved implant is an ultrathin film with 1,024 electrodes, placed directly on the surface of the brain.

The electrodes can both read and stimulate specific brain areas, and developers claim the device is safe for contact with brain tissue.

Looking ahead, Precision Neuroscience aims to use this technology to restore motor and speech functions in patients with severe impairments. The final version will be wireless, enabling direct brain-computer interaction.