Neuralink has announced on November 20 that it has received approval from Health Canada to begin its first clinical trial in the country.
Recruitment is now open for the CAN-PRIME study, which aims to test Neuralink’s cutting-edge brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. The trial is designed for individuals with quadriplegia caused by spinal cord injuries (SCI) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The CAN-PRIME study will evaluate the safety and functionality of Neuralink’s N1 Implant. This fully implantable and wireless device interprets brain signals, enabling users to control devices like computers or smartphones with their thoughts.
The implant is inserted into the brain using Neuralink’s R1 Robot, which is designed to safely and precisely position its ultra-thin electrodes. Participants will also use the N1 User App on a mobile device like the iPhone, which decodes movement intentions into commands for external devices.
Eligible participants must be at least 19 years old, have quadriplegia with no improvement for at least one year, and have a consistent caregiver. Those with implanted medical devices, a history of seizures, or a need for regular MRIs are not eligible to participate.
The study will take about four years, with the first 18 months focused on regular at-home and clinic visits to evaluate the device’s safety and performance. Participants will commit to weekly research sessions to test the system’s capabilities in controlling computers. After the primary phase, long-term follow-ups will continue for three years to ensure the implant’s reliability.
Elon Musk’s Neuralink is offering reimbursement for all travel expenses related to the study and compensation for participants’ time. Interested individuals can apply through Neuralink’s Patient Registry, which provides info about current and future trials.
This trial marks an important step toward advancing assistive technology for individuals with paralysis, potentially restoring independence and digital accessibility. Neuralink also has plans to restore vision for those visually impaired.
American quadriplegic, Noland Arbaugh, is the first human receipient of a Neuralink. He’s been sharing his story on X, while he can also control his MacBook Pro with his mind and also playing games just by thinking as well.
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