Musk’s brain implant company seeks partner for human trials

Francisco Ponce, director of Barrow’s Center for Neuromodulation and Neurosurgery Residency Program, declined to comment on Neuralink, but said Barrow was well-positioned to conduct such implant research due to his long history in the field.

The FDA declined to comment on Neuralink’s efforts to find a partner for its clinical trials.

Neuralink’s latest efforts come as it faces two known US federal investigations into its practices.

The US Department of Agriculture’s Inspector General began investigating possible animal welfare violations at Neuralink last year. Current and former employees have detailed concerns to Reuters about the company’s rushed animal experiments, which result in unnecessary suffering and death.

The US Department of Transportation has said it is investigating possible mishandling of dangerous pathogens during the company’s partnership in animal trials with the University of California, Davis, between 2018 and 2020.

Barrow has helped standardize brain implant surgeries in which the patient can remain asleep, a key step in making it more acceptable to a broad population, Ponce said.