Elon Musk expects Neuralink to implant first case this year
Elon Musk’s brain-chip startup, Neuralink, is set to begin its first human trial this year, according to the billionaire entrepreneur himself. Musk made the announcement during a webcast at the VivaTech event in Paris, where he stated that Neuralink plans to implant its device in a tetraplegic or paraplegic patient. While the exact number of patients and duration of the trial remain unknown, Musk stated that it is likely to happen later this year.
Last month, Neuralink received clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its first-in-human clinical trial. This milestone was crucial for the startup as it faced US probes over the handling of its animal experiments. The FDA confirmed that Neuralink was cleared to use its brain implant and surgical robot for trials but did not provide further details.
However, even if Neuralink proves the safety of its device in humans, it is expected to take several years, possibly more than a decade, to secure commercial use clearance. Experts have warned that the process involves rigorous testing and evaluation before it can be widely available.
Neuralink faces competition from other neurotech companies that have already implanted their devices in people. It is worth noting that Elon Musk has previously missed deadlines for Neuralink’s human trials. On at least four occasions since 2019, Musk has predicted that the trials would start soon. The company, founded in 2016, initially sought permission from the FDA in early 2022 but faced rejection due to numerous safety concerns, including issues with the device’s battery, wire migration within the brain, and safe removal without damaging brain tissue.
Reuter’s reports last year exposed Neuralink’s rushed and botched surgeries on monkeys, pigs, and sheep, resulting in more animal deaths than necessary. Former employees claimed that Musk pressured staff to receive FDA approval, which led to compromised procedures. The company used data from these animal experiments to support its application for human trials. As a result of these reports, Neuralink is undergoing federal scrutiny.
Furthermore, lawmakers have urged regulators to investigate potential financial conflicts within Neuralink’s panel overseeing animal testing. The Department of Transportation is also conducting a probe into whether Neuralink unlawfully transported dangerous pathogens on chips removed from monkey brains without proper containment measures.
The startup’s valuation has experienced significant growth in recent months. Previously valued at approximately $2 billion during a private fundraising round two years ago, Neuralink is now estimated to be worth around $5 billion based on privately executed stock trades.
FAQs:
1. When does Elon Musk expect Neuralink’s first human trial to take place?
– Elon Musk anticipates that the first human trial for Neuralink will happen later this year.
2. How many patients will be involved in the trial and for how long?
– The exact number of patients and the duration of the trial have not been specified by Elon Musk.
3. Has Neuralink received clearance from the FDA for its clinical trial?
– Yes, Neuralink has obtained clearance from the FDA for its first-in-human clinical trial.
4. How long will it take for Neuralink to secure commercial use clearance?
– Experts suggest that even if the device proves to be safe in humans, it could take several years, potentially more than a decade, for Neuralink to secure commercial use clearance.
5. What are some of the safety concerns raised about Neuralink’s device?
– Safety concerns include issues with the device’s lithium battery, wire migration within the brain, and the challenge of safely extracting the implant without damaging brain tissue.
6. What kind of scrutiny is Neuralink facing?
– Neuralink is under federal scrutiny for its handling of animal experiments, potential financial conflicts within its panel overseeing animal testing, and the alleged unlawful transportation of dangerous pathogens.
7. How has Neuralink’s valuation changed?
– Neuralink’s valuation has increased from approximately $2 billion to around $5 billion based on privately executed stock trades.
Neuralink’s First Implantation Projected by Elon Musk in 2021
Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk announced on Friday that his brain-chip startup, Neuralink, is preparing to conduct its first human trial this year. Musk made the announcement during a webcast at the VivaTech event in Paris, stating that Neuralink plans to implant a tetraplegic or paraplegic patient. While he did not provide specifics on the number of patients or the duration of the trial, Musk expressed optimism that the first case will happen later this year.
Neuralink recently obtained clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its first-in-human clinical trial, a significant achievement for the company as it faces scrutiny from US authorities regarding its handling of animal experiments. The FDA has given Neuralink permission to use its brain implant and surgical robot for trials, but further details have not been disclosed.
However, even if Neuralink can demonstrate the safety of its device in humans, it will likely take several years or potentially more than a decade to secure commercial use clearance, according to experts interviewed by Reuters.
It is worth noting that Musk has previously missed deadlines regarding Neuralink’s human trials. Since 2019, he has made at least four predictions about the imminent start of such trials. The company, founded in 2016, initially sought FDA permission in early 2022, but the application was rejected due to numerous safety concerns. These concerns revolved around issues such as the lithium battery of the device, the potential migration of the implant’s wires within the brain, and the challenge of safely removing the device without causing damage to brain tissue.
Neuralink is also facing federal investigations following reports by Reuters regarding its animal experiments. Former Neuralink employees claimed that the company rushed and mishandled surgeries on monkeys, pigs, and sheep, resulting in a higher number of animal deaths than necessary. These experiments were intended to generate data in support of the company’s application for human trials.
The Department of Transportation is currently investigating whether Neuralink violated regulations by transporting dangerous pathogens on chips removed from monkey brains without proper containment measures. The investigation is ongoing. Additionally, the US Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General is conducting a probe into potential animal-welfare violations and the USDA’s oversight of Neuralink.
Despite these challenges, Neuralink’s valuation has seen a significant increase in recent months. The company was valued at nearly $2 billion in a private fundraising round two years ago and is now estimated to be worth around $5 billion based on privately executed stock trades.
It is essential to remain focused on this topic and provide comprehensive coverage as developments continue to unfold.