Paradromics' BCI, expected to launch in 2029, helps patients suffering from ALS, spinal injuries, and other conditions communicate and move. (Image Credit: Paradromics)
Neuralink is facing some competition. Next year, neurotech start-up Paradromics expects to start human trials for its brain-computer interface chip. The company also says the implant could be commercially available by 2029. Established in 2015, Paradromics has received $18 million in public funding and $87 million in venture investment.
Last year, Paradromics announced its Connexus Direct Data Interface was granted the Breakthrough Device Designation by the US Food and Drug Administration. This designation is an "expedited review process for transformative medical devices with the potential to treat irreversibly debilitating conditions."
What makes Paradromic's BCI different from Neuralink's implant is that patients suffering from ALS, paralysis, or spinal injury can use it for communication assistance. In comparison, those with Neuralink's implant control electronics through their brain. The start-up focuses on motor and speech because they're more well-known in the research community.
The Connexus Direct Data Interface implant reads the brain signals, converting them into speech and movement so the patient can communicate. "By building a medical device to record directly from the brain, the Paradromics neuroprosthesis could restore communication and functional independence to thousands of people living with paralysis," says Dr. David Brandman, a functional neurosurgeon and BCI researcher.
Additionally, the implant is powered wirelessly and doesn't need to be charged.
Paradromics CEO and founder Matt Angle says the BCI could be commercially available in 2029, costing $100,000. He believes the first chips will help with severe medical condition treatments, and later on, aims to expand its use for other applications.
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