Neuralink to Recruit Patients for Brain-Computer Implant Study

According to TapTechNews on May 29th, the clinical trial database announcement of the US government shows that Elon Musk's brain-computer interface company, Neuralink, plans to recruit three patients to participate in a multi-year study to evaluate the performance of its brain-computer implant device.

Reuters also previously reported that when Neuralink applied to the US regulatory agency for approval to conduct a clinical trial, it had planned to recruit 10 patients.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that they usually recommend that companies publish research information to increase public trust and respect for the patients participating in the study, but the FDA refused to comment on Neuralink, and the latter also did not respond.

Database information shows that this Neuralink study is expected to complete the main part in 2026, and the entire study is expected to be completed in 2031. The study will recruit patients between the ages of 22 and 75 who have diseases such as quadriplegia.

According to the criteria given by Neuralink, the patient has lost the ability to move for at least one year and has not improved, and the life expectancy is greater than or equal to 12 months. TapTechNews noticed that Neuralink also requires that the patient has already had limited or no movement of the hands, wrists, and arms due to spinal cord injury or a disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

According to the registration information released on Monday, this first human early feasibility study has started in January. However, early feasibility studies do not require the publication of trial details, but mainstream medical journals usually require organizations to register on this database to provide trial information.