Elon Musk’s Neuralink rejected by FDA for human trials

Digital News

The FDA has reportedly rejected a bid by Elon Musk’s Neuralink in which it proposed the initiation of human testing for its brain chip implants. The company has been working on brain implants that allow for a computer-brain interface, which could allegedly restore vision to the blind and help paralysed people to walk again.

Neuralink previously applied to the FDA for human testing in early 2022, however this was also rejected with Reuters reporting that there were ‘dozens of issues the company must address.’

The FDA’s concerns included the fact that the implants use lithium batteries and that the wires used could ‘migrate’ to elsewhere within the brain. There was also a concern that the implant may not be able to be removed without causing brain damage or injury.

In November 2022, Musk stated that the company expected to undertake human trials in “about six months,” also tweeting in November that the implant was ‘ready for humans’ with the timing for beginning trials due to ‘working through the FDA approval process.’

Reuters have reported that since 2018, nearly 1,500 monkeys, pigs and mice have been killed in testing for Neuralink, however the company has defended its animal testing, stating that “all novel medical devices and treatments must be tested on animals before human trials can commence.”

Kip Ludwig, former programme director for neural engineering at the US National Institutes of Health, told Reuters that “Neuralink doesn’t appear to have the mindset or experience that’s needed to get this to market anytime soon.”

Bristol Myers Squibb and Viz.ai sign multi-year partnership for HCM device

Bristol Myers Squibb and Viz.ai, an AI-powered medical imaging company, have signed a deal to use AI to detect and triage patients with suspected hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (hcm).

Sooma receives FDA Breakthrough Device designation for depression therapy device

Finnish company Sooma medical has received breakthrough device designation by the FDA for its portable, at-home neuromodulation device to treat depression.

AI Finds Liver Cancer Drug Candidate In Only 30 Days

A team of scientists have broken records with their new AI which has found a novel drug candidate for liver cancer in only 30 days

DrugBAN AI Expected To Reduce Costs And Speed Up Drug Discovery

A new AI has been developed to deliver medicines at a faster rate and lower cost

BD Showcases New-generation Robotic Track System For Microbiology Labs

Becton, Dickinson and Company has revealed its new-generation robotic track system

Bristol Myers Squibb and Viz.ai sign multi-year partnership for HCM device

Sooma receives FDA Breakthrough Device designation for depression therapy device

AI Finds Liver Cancer Drug Candidate In Only 30 Days

DrugBAN AI Expected To Reduce Costs And Speed Up Drug Discovery

BD Showcases New-generation Robotic Track System For Microbiology Labs

Pharmafocus

Categories

Social Footprints