Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, recently received approval from US authorities to test brain implants in humans. The implants are intended to help with paralysis and blindness.
Last year, Neuralink applied to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for permission to start testing its brain-implant technology on humans. The regulator indicated that the technology had to be thoroughly investigated before approval could be granted.
The FDA was particularly concerned about the effects of the implant on the human brain, such as the influence of the lithium-based battery, the wiring of the device on the brain, and how it can be safely removed without damaging brain tissue.
Animal Testing Research
The approval is remarkable, as Neuralink is still under scrutiny due to possible abuses surrounding animal testing. This would have violated US animal testing laws. Neuralink has killed about 1,500 animals in testing since 2018, including sheep, pigs, and monkeys.
It is also being investigated whether the composition of a steering group to supervise the animal experiments at Neuralink contributed to hasty and failed experiments.
No Clinical Pathways Planned
Neuralink indicates that no clinical pathways for humans are currently planned. Elon Musk continues to believe in the devices and thinks that they will ultimately be suitable for treating obesity, autism, depression, and schizophrenia, as well as for web browsing and telepathy.
