Neuralink PRIME Study: International Expansion

Abstract

By late 2025, Neuralink had implanted approximately 20 patients with severe paralysis, each demonstrating rapid post-surgery capabilities including thought-controlled cursors, typing, and 3D design. Plans to implant dozens more in 2026 with international expansion.

Key Contributions

• ~20 patients implanted with thought-controlled computing capabilities
• Rapid post-surgery capability: cursor control, typing, 3D design within hours
• UK trial: partnered with UCL Hospitals and Newcastle Hospitals; first UK patient (Paul) controlling computer hours after implant
• UAE trial: UAE-PRIME study at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
• Plans for Canada and Germany expansion
• FDA Breakthrough Device designation

Full Content

Neuralink's PRIME (Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface) study is the first large-scale clinical deployment of high-bandwidth invasive BCI. The speed of post-implant capability (hours, not weeks) represents a significant advance over prior BCI systems.

Meanwhile, Synchron demonstrated its minimally invasive Stentrode device controlling an iPad (August 2025). Synchron's approach — implanting within blood vessels on the brain's surface — avoids open brain surgery but trades off signal quality.

Both companies have FDA Breakthrough Device designations, accelerating development timelines. The competitive dynamic between invasive (Neuralink) and minimally invasive (Synchron) approaches is driving rapid clinical progress.

Source: Neuralink Updates — Neuralink