Newcastle Hospitals has been selected as one of two sites in the UK to run a study looking at how a new brain implant could help to improve the quality of life, mobility, and independence of patients living with severe paralysis.
The feasibility study aims to evaluate the safety and functionality of an implant called N1, produced by medical technology company Neuralink.
The wireless brain-computer interface (BCI) is an implant designed to enable voluntary control of external devices, such as a computer or mobile phone, using brain activity. It is intended to help people living with severe neurological conditions that affect the ability to walk, move and use both hands, such as spinal cord injuries and motor neurone disease.
The implant is around the size of a ten-pence piece and records brain signals through over 1,000 electrodes distributed across ultra-thin threads. These threads are each finer than a human hair and precisely placed within key areas of the brain using robot assistance (Neuralink’s R1 robot), under the supervision of a neurosurgeon.
The study builds on Neuralink’s clinical trials in the United States, where several patients have received the N1 implant and are using it to control useful devices in their daily lives, such as computers, smartphones, and robotic arms.
The study has received approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the Health Research Authority (HRA), Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW), and the London – Camberwell St Giles research ethics committee.
In Newcastle, Mr Akbar Hussain, consultant functional neurosurgeon, is overseeing the trial supported by the hospital’s clinical research teams.
Mr Hussain said:
“Losing the ability to walk or move is obviously life-changing, having a significant impact on quality of life and independence.
“This study marks a milestone in the development of technology which has the potential to restore function, independence, and communication in patients with a neurological condition.
“We’re always looking at ways to further develop or enhance care for patients and are very pleased to have this opportunity to explore how technology could improve autonomy and health for people with conditions where current treatment options are limited.”
Dr Luke Bashford, lecturer in neuroscience and neurotechnology at Newcastle University and a study sub-investigator, said:
“Supporting this study at Newcastle reflects our expertise in brain-computer interface research, passion, and commitment to neurotechnologies more broadly.
“This clinical investigation will further expand our portfolio of academic and clinical studies in the field, accelerating the development and delivery of treatments for people living with severe neurological conditions.”
People who are over 22 years old and interested in participating in the GB-PRIME study are invited to learn more and join Neuralink’s patient registry.
