Bionic Eye Technology Revived by Ex-Neuralink Executive

The outlook for a groundbreaking retinal implant, along with its users, has brightened significantly after Science, a bioelectronics startup founded by Neuralink cofounder Max Hodak, acquired the assets of Pixium in April. This acquisition occurred just in time, as Pixium was on the verge of insolvency.

Pixium has been developing its Prima system over the past decade, based on the research of Daniel Palanker, an ophthalmology professor at Stanford University. The implant, measuring 2 by 2 millimeters, is placed under the retina and converts infrared signals from glasses into electrical impulses, replacing the damaged signals from photoreceptors in individuals with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Early studies in Europe and the U.S. indicated that the Prima system was both safe and potentially effective, but financial issues forced Pixium to halt its operations in November, prior to completing a pivotal multi-year trial.

“It’s vital to us to prevent a fiasco similar to Argus II,” expressed Hodak.

Following the acquisition, Hodak noted that data from the final trial, received in March, was “stunning,” showing patients formerly unable to read or recognize faces could now do so with the help of the Prima system.

Part of the acquisition includes retaining most of Pixium’s staff to expedite the approval of the technology in Europe. Prioritizing the support of current users of the Prima implant is crucial to avoid another incident like that of Argus II, which left its users without support when the manufacturer shut down.

In addition to supporting existing patients, Hodak wants to enhance the Prima device with the latest technology, which he believes will improve its visual capabilities. Meanwhile, Science is also pursuing clinical trials for a next-generation system targeting conditions affecting peripheral vision.

Hodak believes that the retina remains the optimal site for vision restoration devices, promoting a view that surpasses traditional prosthetic technology.

This acquisition represents a significant turning point in the advancement of visual prosthetics, promising further innovation and support for individuals affected by vision loss.