Elon Musk’s neurotechnology company, Neuralink, has achieved a significant milestone with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granting its experimental implant, Blindsight, the coveted “breakthrough device” designation.
This innovative device aims to restore vision in individuals with complete or partial blindness, including those with non-functional optic nerves. Neuralink announced the FDA’s recognition on its X page, inviting potential patients and career seekers to join its quest.
“We have received Breakthrough Device Designation from the FDA for Blindsight. Join us in our quest to bring back sight to those who have lost it. Apply to our Patient Registry and openings on our career page,” Neuralink wrote.
According to Reuters, the FDA’s breakthrough designation accelerates the development and review of medical devices treating life-threatening conditions.
Elon Musk elaborated on Blindsight’s potential on (link unavailable), stating:
“The Blindsight device from Neuralink will enable even those who have lost both eyes and their optic nerve to see. Provided the visual cortex is intact, it will even enable those who have been blind from birth to see for the first time. To set expectations correctly, the vision will be at first be low resolution, like Atari graphics, but eventually it has the potential to be better than natural vision and enable you to see in infrared, ultraviolet or even radar wavelengths, like Geordi La Forge.”
Neuralink’s groundbreaking technology includes brain implants that read neural signals, transmitting them wirelessly to external devices. The company is also developing implants enabling paralyzed individuals to control digital devices with their thoughts.
_Current Developments_
– Neuralink is conducting a clinical trial with three participants to evaluate the device’s effectiveness in aiding individuals with spinal cord injuries.
– Successfully implanted its brain-computer interface in a second patient, enabling them to control video games and create 3D designs using only their thoughts.
With the FDA’s breakthrough designation, Neuralink moves closer to transforming treatments for neurological disorders and restoring hope for those with vision impairments.
