Elon Musk’s brain implant company, Neuralink, has received regulatory clearance to carry out the first human clinical study for its experimental technology.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval would be a significant step for the business, which has been working on a robot-assisted brain implantable device that can decode brain activity and transmit information to computers. The business has exclusively used animals for studies up to this point.
“We are excited to share that we have received the FDA’s approval to launch our first-in-human clinical study!” Neuralink announced on Twitter, calling it “an important first step that one day will allow our technology to help many people.”
What is Neuralink microchip?
Neuralink has created a robotic surgical tool and an electrode-loaded computer chip that will be sewn onto the surface of the brain. Musk expects the technology to be regularly updated.
A clinical study for its product in people does not ensure regulatory or commercial success. In addition to dealing with the ethical and security issues brought up by a technology that may provide individuals with implants an advantage in cognition, Neuralink and others will be subjected to severe inspection by the FDA to ensure that their devices are safe and reliable.
