Neuralink Receives Approval for New Brain Implant Feasibility Study

Neuralink’s brain-computer interface aims to revolutionize assistive technologies for individuals with severe motor impairments, with trials providing key insights into its feasibility and safety.

Elon Musk’s brain technology startup, Neuralink, has recently announced that it has received approval to launch a new feasibility study to evaluate its brain implant and experimental robotic arm.

The study, part of Neuralink’s PRIME initiative, will assess the safety of its wireless brain-computer interface and surgical robot. The trial focuses on patients with quadriplegia, a form of paralysis, that enables them to control external devices using their thoughts.

Neuralink stated that participants in this feasibility study would also be cross-enrolled from its ongoing PRIME trial. The company made this announcement on the social media platform X, but detailed responses from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Neuralink were not immediately available.

Neuralink's Progress in Canada & the US

In addition to U.S. efforts, Neuralink recently received approval from Health Canada to conduct a similar trial in Canada. The Canadian study, involving partnerships with local neurosurgeons, will recruit six patients with paralysis.

In the US, Neuralink has already implanted its device in two patients. The first participant used the technology to play video games, browse the internet, post on social media, and control a cursor on a laptop. The second patient has reportedly been successful in using the device to play games and explore 3D design.

Neuralink’s brain-computer interface aims to revolutionize assistive technologies for individuals with severe motor impairments, with trials providing key insights into its feasibility and safety.

In another development, Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, launched by xAI, can analyze medical scans like MRIs and X-rays. While some users praise its accuracy, others report errors, raising concerns about its reliability for medical use.

Musk promoted Grok on X, claiming it will improve over time. Mixed feedback highlights challenges in deploying AI for diagnostics, with experts stressing the need for robust datasets.

Stay tuned for more such updates on Digital Health News.