Elon Musk's Neuralink, a brain-implant firm, received approval from the FDA to conduct its first-ever in-human clinical study.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval gives Neuralink's device implant test on humans a go signal.
Elon Musk's Neuralink FDA Approval for Brain Implant Study
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 24: Tesla CEO Elon Musk leaves the Phillip Burton Federal Building on January 24, 2023 in San Francisco, California.
According to CNBC, the Musk-owned firm Neuralink announced that the FDA has already approved its study of brain implants in humans.
The brain implant device, Link, is surgically implanted into the brain. It contains a grid of electrodes that can record electrical activity from the brain. The electrodes then connect to a computer, which can translate the electrical signals into commands, which control devices or even thoughts.
The Musk-led company took to Twitter to confirm the recent FDA approval. It says, "This is the result of incredible work by the Neuralink team in close collaboration with the FDA." On top of that, Neuralink notes that it "represents an important first step that will one day allow our technology to help many people."
The FDA approval for the clinical study is a major milestone for Neuralink, one of the well-known firms in the burgeoning brain-computer interface (BCI) industry. The company is widely known due to the popularity of its owner, no less than the Tesla, SpaceX, and Twitter CEO, Musk.
What Does Neuralink Do?
Tesla CEO Elon Musk smiles as he addresses guests at the Offshore Northern Seas 2022 (ONS) meeting in Stavanger, Norway on August 29, 2022.
Musk believes that Neuralink's technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with the world. The billionaire entrepreneur envisions a future where people with disabilities can use BCIs to regain mobility and independence.
The Neuralink owner also believes that brain implants could treat neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Not to mention that Musk seeks to cure other conditions, including obesity and depression, with the help of his brain implant firm.
Besides addressing pesky diseases, the ultra-billionaire also touts that brain implants deliver groundbreaking advancements, such as browsing the web and telepathy.
Musk is pretty confident with the brain implant tech. Last year, the Tesla and SpaceX big boss said he is willing to impact the device to his children, as he touted its safety.
Read Also: Elon Musk Warns of Consequences of AI, Argues Technology Is Not 'Necessary'
Neuralink Human Trials
As per Reuters, Musk has been floating the idea of starting Nueralink's human trials as early as 2019. But it never actually materialized during that year.
As it turns out, Neuralink only requested FDA's approval last 2022, according to the tech firm's employees who spoke to Reuters. And last March, the regulator reportedly rejected its application, citing safety issues with the implant wires and lithium battery.
Last November, the tech entrepreneur teased that Neuralink is already six months away from beginning its first-ever human trial, according to The Verge.
And this time, the Musk-owned brain implant firm, Neuralink, has gotten FDA's nod to kick off its human trials.
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