Science Corporation initiates human trials for a brain-computer interface, merging lab-grown neurons with electronics.
Science Corporation, co-founded by former Neuralink president Max Hodak, is set to launch clinical trials for a brain-computer interface (BCI) aimed at merging lab-grown neurons with electronics. Neurobiologist Murat Gunel, who is also the head of neurosurgery at Yale School of Medicine, will serve as a scientific advisor for the project.
The primary objective is to surgically implant a sensor into a patient's brain, marking a significant step towards a device that could revolutionize communication between the brain and computers. Founded in 2021, Science recently secured $230 million in Series C funding, bringing its valuation to $1.5 billion.
The company's flagship product, PRIMA, is designed to restore vision for those affected by macular degeneration and is set to expand into European markets pending regulatory approval.
A Vision for the Future
Hodak has ambitious plans for the startup, aiming to establish reliable communication channels for treating severe neurological conditions and potentially enhancing human abilities. While companies like Neuralink have made strides in monitoring brain activity, the commercialization of such technologies faces challenges, including regulatory obstacles and a limited patient base.
Hodak argues that traditional methods, which utilize metal electrodes, lead to tissue damage and dysfunction. In contrast, the Science team is pursuing a novel approach that leverages biological connections through neurons for a more seamless interface. Gunel praised this innovative direction, calling it a "brilliant" idea.
Integrating Neurons
Alan Mardinly, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer, leads a team of 30 researchers in developing the hybrid sensor, which will incorporate lab-grown neurons designed to integrate with the brain's existing neural networks. This technology has already shown promise in animal testing, and the team is now focused on creating prototypes and meeting medical standards for cell cultivation.
As preparations for human trials progress, discussions with ethics committees are underway. The initial phase will involve testing an advanced sensor in a living human brain, without integrated neurons.
Looking Ahead
Unlike Neuralink's method of embedding devices directly into brain tissue, Science's approach involves placing the sensor on the brain's surface, which is expected to mitigate risks for patients. The team aims to identify suitable candidates, such as stroke patients requiring skull surgery, to test the sensor's safety and efficacy in monitoring neural activity.
If successful, this BCI could facilitate treatments for various neurological disorders, including gentle electrical stimulation to aid recovery of damaged cells. Future applications may also involve monitoring brain activity in patients with tumors to provide early warnings of seizures, and potentially even slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease. Gunel anticipates that human clinical trials could commence as early as 2027.
