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CANADA — Elon Musk’s has announced the approval of his Neuralink in Canada to conduct it's first clinical trial.
The trial according to him focused on a device designed to enable paralysed individuals to control digital devices through thought alone.
The study among other things will evaluate the safety and initial functionality of Neuralink’s implant, which aims to assist individuals with quadriplegia—paralysis of all four limbs—in using external devices via thought control.
In a statement issued by the Toronto’s University Health Network hospital, it has confirmed that the hospital facility had been chosen to carry out the complex neurosurgical procedure required for the implant.
The Canada Health regulatory body did not immediately comment on the announcement.
In the United States, Neuralink has already implanted the device in two patients.
According to the company, the device is performing well for the second patient, who has been using it to play video games and learn 3D design techniques.
Neuralink, launched in 2016 by Musk and a team of engineers, entails the development of a brain chip interface designed to be implanted within the skull.
According to the firm, the technology would enable disabled patients to move and communicate again, as well as restoring vision.
In September, Neuralink’s experimental implant targeting vision restoration received the US Food and Drug Administration’s “breakthrough device” designation.
