Elon Musk’s Neuralink Receives Approval for Human Brain Chip Trials!

Elon Musk’s brain implant company, Neuralink, has announced that it has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct the first-ever clinical trial of its brain chip on humans. In a statement shared on social media, Neuralink emphasized that the approval represents a significant step toward enabling their technology to assist numerous individuals in the future.

The company clarified that the recruitment for clinical trials has not yet begun but stated that they will provide further information as soon as possible. It should be noted that according to news agencies, Musk has previously stated at least four times since 2019 that he was awaiting FDA approval for human trials.

However, seven current and former employees who spoke to Reuters disclosed that Neuralink only submitted its application for approval in early 2022 but was rejected. According to these employees, the FDA’s decision highlighted several concerns that Neuralink needed to address. These concerns included the lithium batteries in the device, the possibility of the implant wires moving into the brain, and the safe removal of the device without causing damage to brain tissue.

Musk envisions the brain chip as a potential treatment for a wide range of conditions, from obesity to autism, depression, and schizophrenia. He also believes that the chip could be used for internet research and establishing telepathic communication.

Emphasizing his confidence in the safety of the product, Musk previously expressed his willingness to have the chip implanted in his own children. He is well-known for his ambitious goals, such as colonizing Mars and “saving humanity.” However, Neuralink, founded in 2016, has faced several federal investigations.

In May, American lawmakers called for an investigation into the regulatory oversight of a panel overseeing animal experiments at Neuralink to determine whether it contributed to flawed and rushed experiments. The U.S. Department of Transportation has also launched a separate investigation to determine whether Neuralink illegally transported dangerous pathogens from monkey brains without appropriate containment measures.

Additionally, Neuralink is under investigation by the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for potential animal rights violations. These ongoing investigations highlight the scrutiny and challenges faced by the company in its endeavors.