Neuralink reaches 21 patients implanted across 4 countries — PRIME study targets 30 with NEJM manuscript planned
Summary
Neuralink has implanted 21 people with the N1 BCI across the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and Canada as of mid-2026, according to the State of BCI 2026 Annual Industry Report. The company's PRIME feasibility study targets 30 patients total before pivotal trial planning, and a manuscript of PRIME trial results is anticipated in the New England Journal of Medicine. The 21-patient, 4-country footprint represents the largest active multi-national cortical BCI program in history.
Why it matters
21 patients across 4 countries is a clinical program of a scale that no cortical BCI has ever previously achieved. A planned NEJM manuscript would be transformative for Neuralink's regulatory and commercial credibility — NEJM publication of device trial data carries the highest clinical authority in medicine and would define the standard against which all competing BCIs are compared.
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