26-5-2023 (California) In a groundbreaking development, Elon Musk’s brain-implant company, Neuralink, announced on Thursday that it has obtained approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to initiate its inaugural human clinical trial. This significant milestone brings Musk’s vision of using brain implants to treat conditions like paralysis and blindness one step closer to reality.
Since 2019, Musk has repeatedly made public statements about Neuralink’s imminent commencement of human trials for its revolutionary brain implant. However, according to seven current and former employees who spoke to Reuters in March, the company, established in 2016, did not seek FDA permission until early 2022, resulting in the initial rejection of their application.
The FDA’s approval arrives amid mounting pressure from U.S. lawmakers, who recently called for an investigation into the composition of a panel responsible for overseeing animal testing at Neuralink. Concerns have been raised about the possibility of rushed and flawed experiments due to the panel’s makeup.
Neuralink has been the subject of previous federal probes. A Reuters report on December 5 highlighted an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Inspector General, initiated at the request of a federal prosecutor. The probe aims to uncover potential violations of the Animal Welfare Act, which governs the ethical treatment and testing of specific animal species. Additionally, the investigation is examining the USDA’s oversight of Neuralink.
In response to the FDA approval, Neuralink took to Twitter to express its gratitude and clarify the current status of the company. It emphasized that although the clinical trial had received the green light, Neuralink is not yet open for participation. The company acknowledged the tireless efforts of its team in close collaboration with the FDA and emphasized that this milestone represents a crucial first step toward realizing the full potential of their technology to improve the lives of countless individuals in the future.
Neuralink’s primary objective is to develop a cutting-edge brain implant capable of enabling paralyzed individuals to walk again and providing cures for various neurological ailments. This momentous approval from the FDA marks a significant leap forward in the field of neuroscience, fostering hope for a future where technology and medicine combine to restore functionality and enhance the lives of those suffering from debilitating conditions.
