A Neuralinka neurotechnology startup co-founded by Elon Musk, is officially approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct clinical studies using brain implants in humans.
“This is the result of incredible work by the Neuralink team in close collaboration with the FDA and represents an important first step that will one day allow our technology to help many people,” the company celebrated on Thursday, 25, via Twitter.
We are excited to share that we have received the FDA’s approval to launch our first-in-human clinical study!
This is the result of incredible work by the Neuralink team in close collaboration with the FDA and represents an important first step that will one day allow our…
— Neuralink (@neuralink) May 25, 2023
According to information from the CNBC, the extent of the approved study is not yet known, and patient recruitment for the trial is not yet open. The idea, however, will be to treat serious illnesses – considered incurable.
Also according to the publication, the company, founded in 2016, is building a brain implant called “Link”, which aims to help patients with severe paralysis to control external technologies using only neural signals.
That is, those who suffer from severe degenerative diseases such as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) may eventually regain the ability to communicate with their loved ones by moving cursors and typing with their minds.
Neuralink at the target of investigations
It is worth mentioning that, as published by the ReutersNeuralink is under investigation for possible violations of the US Animal Welfare Act.
Officials told the agency that over the past year the company had been rushing and botching surgeries on monkeys, pigs and sheep, resulting in unnecessary animal deaths, as Musk pressed the team to receive FDA approval.
US lawmakers also called for an investigation into whether the composition of a panel that oversees animal testing at Neuralink contributed to failed experiments.
Additionally, the Department of Transportation is investigating whether the startup illegally transported dangerous pathogens on chips removed from monkey brains without proper containment measures.
Source: CNN Brasil
Charles Grill is a tech-savvy writer with over 3 years of experience in the field. He writes on a variety of technology-related topics and has a strong focus on the latest advancements in the industry. He is connected with several online news websites and is currently contributing to a technology-focused platform.
