Neuralink, the brain implant company founded by Elon Musk, has gotten approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to launch its first-in-human clinical study. This is according to an announcement from the company Thursday.
Musk has said since 2019 that Neuralink will soon be able to begin human trials. Now, with approval from the FDA, testing can begin. Neuralink only sought approval last year, despite being founded in 2016. The aim of the brain implant is to treat intractable conditions such as paralysis and blindness.
The federal government has previously probed the Neuralink company and its objective. Last year, the USDA’s Inspector General investigated, at the request of a federal prosecutor, potential violations of the Animal Welfare Act. The probe also looked into the USDA oversight of Neuralink.
“This is the result of incredible work by the Neuralink team in close collaboration with the FDA and represents an important first step that will one day allow our technology to help many people,” the Neuralink announcement on Twitter reads.
Elon Musk and the Neuralink company have said that recruitment for the trials is not yet available, but they will “announce more information” soon. The FDA has yet to say anything further about regulations for the trials.
