Neuralink, Elon Musk’s American neurotechnology company, has received regulatory approval from Health Canada for its first brain chip clinical trial in the country.
This trial aims to test the safety and functionality of the device, which is designed to help paralysed individuals use digital devices with their thoughts.
According to the brain chip startup, the Canadian study will focus on individuals with quadriplegia, or paralysis of all four limbs, enabling them to control external devices with their thoughts.
In the US, Neuralink has already implanted its device in two patients.
In August, the neurotechnology firm implanted its chip in a second patient. The patient is said to successfully use the implant to play video games and design 3D objects.
Founded in 2016 by Elon Musk and a team of engineers, Neuralink is also developing a brain chip interface for implantation within the skull. This interface aims to restore movement, communication, and vision for disabled patients.
The company received the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) breakthrough device designation in September for its experimental vision-restoring Blindsight implant.
Canada’s University Health Network (UHN) announced that its Toronto facility will carry out the complex neurosurgical procedure for Neuralink’s trial.
The Neuralink implantable device will be implanted under the CAN-PRIME study. The trial will be conducted at UHN’s Toronto Western Hospital.
UHN president and CEO Kevin Smith said: “This progress is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our world-leading medical and research professionals, as well as our commitment to providing the most innovative and effective treatments for patients.
“As the first and exclusive surgical site in Canada to perform this procedure, we will be continuing to shape the future of neurological care and further defining our track record for doing what hasn’t been done.”
The brain chip startup will now start enrolment for the trial in Canada. Patients with limited or no hand use due to cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may be eligible for the CAN-PRIME study.
The procedure, using advanced technology and surgical techniques, will be performed by a multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons, neuroscientists, and medical experts at UHN.
