Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are already a reality—a reality still in its infancy but a reality, nonetheless. The variety of companies gradually establishing themselves in this market proves it.
New competitor. U.S. company Paradromics recently announced a significant step toward entering this market. It’s now finalizing preparations to begin human trials of its brain implant designed to function as a BCI.
Or not so new. Paradromics was founded in Texas in 2015, a year before Neuralink arrived. However, the first clinical trials of its device, the Connexus Direct Data Interface, have yet to begin.
In 2017, Paradromics received $65 million in funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The goal was to create brain-modem interfaces that could facilitate the connection between the organ and a computer.
Patient registry. At the end of June, the company announced its preparations. But in July, Paradromics declared the creation of a patient registry. Clinical trials could start in 2025.
The FDA’s Total Product Life Cycle Advisory Program has accepted the project to ensure a smooth process. The FDA created this program to expedite the delivery of safe and effective devices to patients in cases deemed to have “public health significance.”
Connexus DDI. The Connexus Direct Data Interface (DDI) system consists of two primary devices and a cable connecting them, all surgically implanted in the patient. The first device, connected to the brain, is the Cortical Module. This device has an on-chip processor and 421 microelectrodes that attach it to the brain.
The second key device is the internal transceiver. This device receives the signal and transmits it wirelessly to a second transceiver, which is external and responsible for communicating with a computing unit. The company explains that this computer will apply artificial intelligence and computer learning models to interpret the signals received from the patient’s brain.
Four by four. The system developed by Paradromics allows the installation of up to four cortical modules in different brain regions for a total of 1,684 connected electrodes.
A changing landscape. Neural implants are gradually moving from the realm of science fiction to that of pure science. In addition to companies like Neuralink and Paradromics, there are many others. Among them is Synchron, a market leader. Also noteworthy is Neuroscroll, China’s entry into this emerging market.
These projects have already completed several clinical trials, and human patients are beginning to benefit from the innovation. These devices have the potential to help people with mobility issues, such as those caused by sclerosis or accidents, communicate with their environment quickly and efficiently. The more innovations there are in this area, the easier it will be for them to reach more users sooner.
This article was written by Pablo Martínez-Juárez and originally published in Spanish on Xataka.
Imagen | Paradromics
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