May 29, 2024 – According to the clinical trial database of the US government, Elon Musk’s brain-computer interface company, Neuralink, plans to recruit three patients for a multi-year study to evaluate the performance of its brain-computer implant devices.
Previously, Reuters reported that Neuralink had planned to enroll 10 patients when applying for regulatory approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct clinical trials.
The FDA stated that they generally recommend companies to disclose study information to enhance public trust and respect for patients participating in research. However, the FDA declined to comment on Neuralink, and the company did not respond either.
According to the database, the primary phase of Neuralink’s study is expected to be completed by 2026, with the entire study wrapping up in 2031. The study aims to recruit patients aged between 22 and 75 who suffer from conditions such as tetraplegia.
To be eligible, patients must have lost mobility for at least one year without improvement and have a life expectancy of 12 months or more. Additionally, Neuralink requires patients to have restricted or no movement in their hands, wrists, and arms due to spinal cord injury or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
The “first-in-human early feasibility study,” as indicated in the registration information released on Monday, commenced in January. While early feasibility studies are not required to disclose trial details, mainstream medical journals typically mandate organizations to register on the database to provide study information.
