By Abril Elfi, OAN, 3:52 PM – Monday, May 20, 2024

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a second patient to receive a brain implant from Neuralink, the brain-computer interface company founded by Elon Musk. This marks another significant milestone for the startup, which aims to enable humans to control computers directly with their minds.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the FDA's approval comes after Neuralink addressed a problem that arose with their first patient. Earlier this month, the company reported that the tiny wire implants in the first patient's brain had become loose. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Neuralink was aware of the potential for these wires to retract, based on prior animal testing.

To mitigate this issue, Neuralink plans to implant some of the device's wires deeper into the brain. The company is set to operate on the second patient in June and has plans to treat ten more individuals later this year. Interest in the technology appears high, with over 1,000 people having signed up for Neuralink's patient registry.

Neuralink's ambitious goals extend beyond the United States. The company aims to submit applications to health regulators in Canada and the United Kingdom, with plans to begin similar trials in these countries in the coming months.

The first patient to receive the Neuralink implant successfully used their thoughts to control a computer mouse in February, reportedly without any adverse effects. The technology relies on a robot to surgically implant a brain-computer interface device into the region of the brain responsible for regulating movement intentions.

Despite the progress, the FDA has declined to comment on specific details related to any company's human trial applications or associated studies.

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About Neuralink:
Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, is at the forefront of developing brain-computer interface technology. The company's mission is to merge humans with artificial intelligence, providing groundbreaking solutions for neurological conditions and enhancing human cognitive abilities.

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is based on current reports and sources. The FDA and Neuralink have not disclosed detailed information regarding ongoing trials and applications.