Elon Musk's Neuralink has implanted its brain-computer interface (BCI) device in a third human patient, marking a significant milestone in the company's efforts to connect the nervous system to machines. Musk announced the achievement during an event in Las Vegas, stating that all three patients are doing well with the implants.
Neuralink aims to implant the experimental devices in 20 to 30 more people in 2025. The company has upgraded the devices with more electrodes, higher bandwidth, and longer battery life, enhancing their functionality.
Progress with Existing Patients
Updates were provided on the previous implant recipients. The second recipient, who has a spinal cord injury, was able to play video games and use computer-aided design software to create 3-D objects with the help of the Neuralink device. The first patient, also paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury, shared that the implant allowed them to play video games and chess, demonstrating the device’s potential for improving quality of life.
Miami Clinical Trial Site
Neuralink is expanding its clinical trials to Miami, partnering with The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Miami. This will be the second U.S. site to participate in the PRIME Study. Neuralink scientists and a multidisciplinary team will implant the device in local participants.
"This collaboration represents another great opportunity to combine our clinical research expertise with the forward-thinking team at Neuralink," said Marc Buoniconti, president of The Miami Project. "We hope this partnership is another significant step in finding meaningful solutions for the millions living with paralysis and other significant motor deficits."
BCI Landscape and Regulatory Oversight
While Neuralink has garnered significant attention, many other companies and research groups are working on similar BCI projects. Over 45 trials involving BCIs are underway, with the goal of treating brain disorders, overcoming brain injuries, and exploring other potential uses.
Neuralink received permission from US regulators in 2023 to begin testing in humans. For high-risk devices like Neuralink's, approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is required under an "investigational device exemption," which allows companies to conduct trials before a device is brought to market.
Future Applications
Neuralink's brain interface device, known as Link, currently enables patients to control on-screen cursors and digital devices through simple commands. Future upgrades could allow the device to interpret multiple simultaneous movement intentions and even recognize handwriting, potentially enabling patients to write more efficiently.
These advancements are aimed at restoring digital independence for individuals who are unable to use their limbs and giving a voice back to those who are unable to speak due to neurological disorders. While the Link device is currently designed for patients with severe movement limitations, Musk envisions a future where these implants could enhance the abilities of healthy individuals, such as improving memory recall.
