Alex Omenye
Neurotech startup Paradromics has disclosed plans to commence human trials for its brain implant in 2025, intensifying the competition in the burgeoning brain-computer interface market.
This strategic move positions Paradromics directly against Elon Musk’s Neuralink, a leader in public attention within this sector.
In an interview with CNBC Tech, Paradromics’ CEO and founder, Matt Angle, expressed his enthusiasm about the transformative potential of brain-computer interfaces. “The brain is a fascinating organ with about 85 billion neurons, each a million times slower than a computer chip, yet capable of incredible feats,” Angle explained. He emphasized the need for high-speed, high-data-rate devices to interact with numerous neurons simultaneously for effective data transfer to and from the brain.
Paradromics plans to retail its brain implants at approximately $100,000 each (around N150 million). Angle outlined the company’s mission to turn untreatable brain health conditions into solvable technology problems, aiming to address unmet medical needs through their devices.
Initially, the neural implants will focus on patients who have lost their ability to communicate due to conditions like paralysis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or spinal injuries.
Chief Scientific Officer Vikash Gilja explained the focus on motor and speech functions, areas well-researched within the scientific community. He believes Paradromics can leverage existing research to transition from experimental science to practical medical devices. Gilja also mentioned that the device would be wirelessly powered, eliminating the need for frequent charging. Users would undergo a brief calibration routine to map electrical signals to their intentions, after which the system would be ready for use.
Angle is optimistic about gaining commercial approval for the brain implants by 2029. He noted, “The first million people to get brain-computer interfaces will be those treating severe medical conditions.” While acknowledging the potential for future consumer applications, Angle stressed that the current focus is on developing safe and reliable devices for individuals with significant physical and mental health conditions.
Neuralink, co-founded by Elon Musk, recently made headlines by implanting a chip into a patient’s brain in March. However, the procedure faced a setback when part of the implant malfunctioned weeks later.
In Nigeria, a study conducted by Chukwuemeka Eze et al. estimated the prevalence of neurological disorders at 45.4%. The research revealed a crude prevalence rate of 352 per 1,000 people in southwest Nigeria, with strokes being the most common neurological disorder affecting motor and speech functions.
