Key Takeaways

  • Science Corporation’s PRIMA chip approved by EU regulators.
  • The device aims to restore vision lost due to macular degeneration.
  • Plans for US regulatory review are underway.
  • Initial procedures expected to begin in Germany this September.

EU Approval for PRIMA Chip

Science Corporation has received approval from the European medical device regulator for its PRIMA chip, which is designed to restore vision lost from age-related macular degeneration. This condition affects millions globally, impairing the ability to read and recognize faces.

Device Functionality

The PRIMA device requires patients to undergo a one-hour outpatient procedure to implant a small chip in the back of the eye. Patients then wear specialized glasses equipped with cameras that relay visual information to the chip. Max Hodak, the company’s founder and CEO, claims that the device can provide functional vision to those who have lost it.

Patient Success Stories

Hodak shared that one patient in France recently completed a 300-page novel and sent the book to the company. Other patients have created artwork and engaged in activities like crossword puzzles and Sudoku, demonstrating the chip’s impact on their lives.

Business Strategy and Future Plans

Hodak, who previously co-founded Neuralink, aims to establish a sustainable business model for Science Corporation. He believes that generating significant revenue is essential to support long-term innovations in brain-computer interfaces. The company acquired Pixium, the French firm behind the PRIMA technology, in 2024 to advance its development.

Market Introduction and Costs

The PRIMA device is expected to be priced in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Science Corporation is currently negotiating with healthcare providers in Europe regarding reimbursement. The company plans to launch the device in Germany, where clinical trials were conducted, with the first procedures anticipated in September.

Future Enhancements

Science Corporation is also working on improving the vision capabilities of the PRIMA chip and the design of the glasses, which currently require a battery pack. The goal is to create a more user-friendly product similar to augmented reality glasses.

Collaboration for Human Trials

In addition, the company is collaborating with Dr. Murat Günel from Yale Medical School to develop procedures for human trials of a bio-hybrid brain sensor. Hodak emphasizes that the success of the PRIMA chip is crucial for the company’s future endeavors in advanced technologies.