China OKs launch of brain computer interface medical device in worlds 1st

China has approved a brain implant for commercial use in people with spinal cord injuries. The device is a type of brain-computer interface (BCI) and is made by the Shanghai-based company Neuracle Medical Technology, which has potential rival of Elon Musk’s BCI start-up Neuralink. Brain implants have been used as part of clinical trials for decades, but this is the first time such a device has been approved for broad use in patients. 

The product is an invasive BCI ​system, which means electrodes are inserted directly into the brain, instead of ​sitting on the surface of the brain. The device uses minimally invasive extradural implantation, relying on wireless technology. 

According to Towards Healthcare, the China medical device market is projected to experience significant growth, with estimates suggesting the market size will increase from USD 48.34 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 108.96 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.45% from 2026 to 2035. Growth is driven by increasing by factors such as rapid healthcare infrastructure expansion, rising chronic disease burden, and strong government support, aimed at enhancing the quality and accessibility of medical devices, leading to a surge in innovation, with local manufacturers focusing on developing cutting-edge products that cater to the specific needs of the population. 

Brain-computer interface (BCI) 

BCIs, sometimes known as brain-machine interfaces, are devices that record brain activity. Invasive BCIs like Neuracle’s are surgically implanted in or on the brain. There, they record electrical signals from neurons. Software then “decodes” these signals, which can then be used to control a computer cursor or a prosthetic limb, for example. Neuracle’s BCI consists of a coin-sized wireless implant that sits on the surface of the brain’s outer membrane and controls a robotic glove. It is specifically designed for people with spinal cord injuries, but is only approved for people who still have some upper arm function. 

Specifically, the system targets patients with quadriplegia resulting from cervical spinal cord injuries, enabling them to regain hand-grasping ability through the use of a specialised glove. 

A recent report by Towards Healthcare highlights that the China medical device market is witnessing growth due to dynamic transformation, driven by advancements in technology and increasing healthcare demands. The government has implemented various policies aimed at enhancing the quality and accessibility of medical devices, leading to a surge in innovation with local manufacturers focusing on developing cutting-edge products that cater to the specific needs of the population.