Neuralink Receives FDA Approval for Second Human Brain-Computer Interface Implant, Aiming for June Surgery

According to a May 20 report by The Wall Street Journal, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Elon Musk’s Neuralink Corp. to implant its brain chip in a second patient, and has also approved the company’s proposed remedy for issues encountered with the first participant.

According to insiders, following FDA approval, Neuralink now aims to implant its chip into the brain of a second participant sometime in June. Neuralink’s goal is to implant chips in 10 individuals this year, engaging diverse participants to study a range of behaviors. Additionally, Neuralink plans to submit applications to regulatory authorities in Canada and the United Kingdom in the coming months to conduct similar trials.

IT Home noted that last week, Reuters cited sources reporting that Neuralink disclosed loosening issues with the chip implanted in its first patient, a problem the company had long been aware of. According to The Wall Street Journal, to address this issue, Neuralink will implant some of the thinner probes deeper into the brain.