Science Corporation implants its vision-restoring chip in its first Stargardt disease patient

Science Corporation, under the leadership of Max Hodak, has achieved a significant milestone by implanting its PRIMA vision-restoring chip into a patient suffering from Stargardt disease. This inherited eye condition progressively deteriorates central vision, affecting approximately 150,000 people globally and currently lacking a cure. The PRIMA device, which functions as artificial photoreceptors, is a 2x2 millimeter implant placed in the back of the eye, working in conjunction with camera-equipped glasses to transmit visual information. Early results from the trial at Sydney Eye Hospital are promising, with the first patient reportedly seeing a letter during their initial rehabilitation session and reading a word in the second. This initial success, though limited to a small, black-and-white field of view, lays the groundwork for future iterations aimed at expanding the field of view and improving acuity.

PRIMA

PRIMA is a micro-implant designed to restore vision by acting as artificial photoreceptors in the eye. While it is already commercially available in Europe for patients with geographic atrophy, an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration, its application to Stargardt disease marks a critical expansion of its potential. The device works by electrically stimulating the optic nerve, essentially translating visual input from external glasses into signals the brain can interpret as vision. The current iteration provides a sharp, high-contrast, black-and-white patch of central vision, allowing patients to discern a few letters at a time. Science Corporation is actively developing a 'next generation' device, expected to be in human trials within the next year, with a long-term goal of achieving near-native visual acuity within five years by addressing challenges like eye curvature and electrode size.

Max Hodak

Max Hodak, the CEO of Science Corporation and former co-founder of Neuralink, articulated a expansive vision for brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that extends far beyond simply controlling computers. He views devices like cochlear implants and retinal prostheses, including PRIMA, as fundamental types of BCIs, emphasizing that the retina is an integral part of the central nervous system. Hodak's long-term mission for Science Corporation is to delve into understanding how the brain generates the mind and to ultimately engineer brains. He envisions a future where BCIs become commonplace, not just for individuals with severe disabilities, but potentially for a significant portion of the population by their 60s or 70s, aiming to extend 'health span' alongside lifespan. This perspective positions vision restoration as a foundational step towards a much broader ambition in neural engineering.

Stargardt disease

Stargardt disease is an inherited condition characterized by the gradual destruction of the outer retina's light-sensing cells, leading to an enlarging central blind spot. The inner retina, which transmits visual signals to the brain, is often spared, making it a suitable target for prosthetic intervention. The disease's incurable nature underscores the significance of Science Corporation's trial, offering a potential breakthrough for patients who currently have limited options. By demonstrating that PRIMA can provide functional vision to Stargardt patients, the company aims to validate its approach for a wider array of currently untreatable conditions. This success could pave the way for similar BCI applications in other neurodegenerative diseases and even stroke recovery, as Hodak hinted at future clinical indications for a 'neurodegenerative disease that everybody’s heard of' and exploring connections into the deep brain for stroke patients.