Neuralink, Elon Musk's brain-implant company, has been cleared to begin clinical trials in Canada. The University Health Network (UHN) confirmed that its Toronto Western Hospital will serve as the first non-US site for testing Neuralink's innovative device. This marks a significant step forward for the company's research and development efforts in neurotechnology.
UHN Chief Executive Officer Kevin Smith stated, "We are incredibly proud to be at the forefront of this research advancement in neurosurgery." He also noted that UHN would be the "first and exclusive" site for the trial in Canada.
Neuralink announced the approval from Health Canada via a post on X, stating, "Health Canada has approved the launch of our first clinical trial in Canada! Recruitment is now open." The company is actively seeking participants with quadriplegia resulting from either amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, or spinal cord injury.
The primary goal of Neuralink's initial product is to enable patients to control external devices, such as computers, using their thoughts. This technology holds promise for individuals with severe motor impairments, offering a new avenue for communication and interaction with the world. While the initial focus is on motor control, Neuralink is also exploring potential applications for treating other conditions, including blindness. Musk has also mentioned the long-term possibility of using Neuralink to augment memory and other cognitive functions in healthy individuals.
Neuralink's first human patient, Noland Arbaugh, received the Neuralink implant earlier this year at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. The company continues to recruit patients in the US, UK, and Canada, with registration available on its website. Other companies in the neurotechnology field, such as Synchron Inc., are also actively recruiting for their own upcoming trials, indicating a growing interest and investment in brain-computer interfaces.
