Neuralink Begins CAN-PRIME Study, Its First International Trial of Its Fully Implantable BCI

The Elon Musk-backed BCI maker can now begin the CAN-PRIME study, its first international trial. It evaluates the company's fully implantable, wireless BCI, building upon the ongoing PRIME study in the U.S.

Elon Musk-backed brain-computer interface (BCI) company Neuralink has announced the launch of its first international clinical trial, named CAN-PRIME. The study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of the company's fully implantable, wireless BCI device in Canadian residents with limited or no ability to use both hands.

The CAN-PRIME study builds upon the ongoing PRIME study in the U.S., which is investigating the use of Neuralink's BCI in people with quadriplegia. The study will assess the initial functionality of the BCI, called Telepathy, in enabling participants to control external devices with their thoughts.

The study is open to Canadian residents who have sustained a cervical spinal cord injury or have been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), rendering them with limited or no ability to use both hands.

"This study marks an important step towards developing innovative BCI technology that has the potential to transform the lives of individuals with neurological disorders around the world," Neuralink said in a statement.

Neuralink, founded by Musk in 2016, is among several companies and research institutions worldwide striving to advance BCI technology.

The company's implant, unveiled during a livestreamed event in January, is designed to be wirelessly charged and boasts electrode-laced threads that can be inserted deeper into the brain. Neuralink also boasts a specialized R1 robot, crafted to implant the BCI system while navigating around vasculature.

According to analysts, the total addressable market (TAM) for BCI technology in the U.S. alone is valued at approximately $400 billion. The technology holds immense promise in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with neurological disorders, ranging from paralysis to blindness and deafness.

Earlier this year, Neuralink showcased the first human implant of its BCI device, with a nine-minute livestream demonstration revealing Noland Arbaugh using the implant to move a computer cursor and play chess online. The company also announced plans for another human implant this past summer.