Toronto, ON – The University Health Network (UHN) has confirmed that two Canadian patients with quadriplegia have successfully received Neuralink brain implants as part of the CAN-PRIME clinical trial, making UHN the first site outside the United States to participate in the study. The trial, led by Elon Musk’s Neuralink, aims to test the safety and effectiveness of wireless brain-computer interface devices that allow patients to control external devices through thought alone.
Within minutes of surgery, both patients were reportedly able to translate neural signals into actions, including moving a computer cursor, according to UHN’s lead neurosurgeon. The hospital has been authorized to recruit six participants living with spinal cord injuries or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
However, the collaboration has triggered debate among Canadian physicians and bioethicists. Dr. Raghu Venugopal, an emergency physician at UHN, stated publicly that “Canadian MDs should never collaborate with Elon Musk,” citing Musk’s role in slashing U.S. foreign aid funding earlier this year, which The Lancet has warned could result in millions of preventable deaths worldwide. Bioethicist Kerry Bowman of the University of Toronto echoed concerns, calling Musk’s role in cutting global health aid “profoundly destructive” and arguing that it should have weighed into the hospital’s decision.
UHN’s Executive Vice-President of Science and Research, Dr. Brad Wouters, defended the partnership, saying that Neuralink approached UHN due to its leadership in neurosurgery and biomedical research. “After careful consideration and approval of the study protocol by regulatory bodies, we determined that participating in this trial aligns with our responsibility to pursue the next frontier in care for patients with limited options,” Wouters said in a statement, emphasizing that the study complies with Health Canada standards and independent research ethics board requirements.
Critics also point to Neuralink’s lack of publicly available data, questioning its transparency regarding device safety, potential complications, and consent processes. Supporters argue that political controversies surrounding Musk should not block access to potentially life-changing technology. “If the technology turns out to be safe and effective, then doctors should not hesitate to give patients access,” said ethicist Arthur Schafer, founding director of the Centre for Professional and Applied Ethics at the University of Manitoba.
The trial continues under close monitoring, with UHN reaffirming its commitment to patient safety, regulatory compliance, and advancing cutting-edge care for Canadians with few treatment options.