Neuralink Begins Recruitment for First Canadian Brain-Implant Trials

The trials aim to evaluate the safety and functionality of Neuralink's brain-computer interface for individuals with severe motor impairments.

Neuralink has received Health Canada's approval to conduct its CAN-PRIME clinical trial, the company's first human trial outside the United States.
The trial will be conducted at Toronto Western Hospital, focusing on patients with quadriplegia caused by ALS or spinal cord injuries.
The implant uses over 1,000 electrodes to interpret neural activity, enabling participants to control devices like computers and smartphones through thought alone.
Previous trials in the U.S. faced challenges, including technical issues with electrode threads, but adjustments have been made for subsequent patients.
Neuralink plans to use the trial results to refine its technology, which could eventually expand to treat other conditions such as blindness or even augment memory in healthy individuals.