Elon Musk’s startup Neuralink to test brain chips, is set to conduct its first human trial later this year, according to the billionaire entrepreneur. Speaking at the VivaTech event in Paris, Musk revealed that the company plans to implant its technology in a tetraplegic or paraplegic patient during a webcast monitored by Reuters. While the exact number of patients and the duration of the trial were not specified, Musk expressed confidence that the first case would occur later this year.
The FDA Approval
Neuralink recently achieved a significant milestone when it received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its first-in-human clinical trial. Also Neuralink to test brain chips on humans this year, This approval is crucial for the startup, which has faced investigations regarding its handling of animal experiments. The FDA confirmed that Neuralink to test brain chips and its brain implant and surgical robot for trials but declined to provide further details.
However, even if Neuralink successfully demonstrates the safety of its device in human trials, it will likely take several years, possibly more than a decade, to obtain commercial clearance. The company faces competition from other neurotech companies that have already implanted similar devices in individuals.
Missed Timelines
Elon Musk’s past predictions about Neuralink’s progress have not always been accurate, having missed several timelines since 2019 for the start of human trials. In 2022, the FDA initially rejected Neuralink’s application due to numerous safety concerns related to the device’s lithium battery, potential wire migration within the brain, and the safe extraction of the implant without damaging brain tissue.
Additionally, Neuralink has come under federal scrutiny following reports of botched animal experiments. Employees revealed that surgeries on monkeys, pigs, and sheep were rushed and mishandled, leading to unnecessary animal deaths. These experiments were conducted to gather data supporting Neuralink’s application for human trials.
Investigation into Potential conflicts
US lawmakers have called for investigations into potential financial conflicts within Neuralink’s panel overseeing animal testing, suspecting that these conflicts contributed to the rushed and flawed experiments. The Department of Transportation is also separately investigating Neuralink for potential illegal transportation of dangerous pathogens removed from monkey brains without proper containment measures.
Elon Musk’s Neuralink to Test Brain Chips On Humans
Moreover, the US Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General has been examining potential animal welfare violations and the USDA’s oversight of Neuralink. The company’s valuation has surged in recent months, rising from around $2 billion to approximately $5 billion based on privately executed stock trades. This increase in value has benefitted employees who hold Neuralink stock, with its value rising by about 150% in just two years.
Summing Up
While Neuralink’s progress and valuation indicate significant potential, the company still faces regulatory hurdles and ongoing investigations. The successful completion of human trials and eventual commercial clearance will be crucial for Neuralink to test brain chips technology that can improve the lives of individuals with neurological conditions.
