Science Corp Implants PRIMA Chip in First Stargardt Patient

Executive Overview

Science Corporation, led by CEO Max Hodak, has successfully implanted its PRIMA retinal chip in the first patient with Stargardt disease at Sydney Eye Hospital in Australia last May. The 2×2 mm chip is implanted behind the eye in a one-hour procedure and works with camera-equipped glasses to replace damaged photoreceptors. The patient can now see high-contrast black-and-white letters, with a next-generation human implant planned within a year and near-natural visual acuity targeted within five years. The chip is already commercially available in Europe for patients with geographic atrophy.

Deep-Dive Features & Architecture

Max Hodak, CEO of Science Corporation and former co-founder of Neuralink, revealed the successful implantation of the PRIMA chip in the first Stargardt disease patient during a TechCrunch Disrupt event. The chip, measuring 2 millimeters by 2 millimeters, is implanted behind the eye in the region of degenerated photoreceptors, acting as their artificial replacement. During the first rehabilitation session, the patient was able to see a letter, and in the second session, read a word. Hodak explained that current vision is limited to a narrow field, akin to looking through a tube, but it is precise and high-contrast in black and white.

The technology relies on glasses equipped with a camera that transmits images of the world to the implanted chip, mimicking the function of natural photoreceptors. Hodak noted that the next generation of the chip is under development and will be implanted in humans within the next year, with a plan to achieve near-natural visual acuity within five years. This requires expanding the field of view by adapting the chip to the curvature of the eye and miniaturizing the electrodes to increase detail. Stargardt disease affects approximately 150,000 people worldwide and leads to progressive loss of central vision.

Benchmark & Competitive Performance

The PRIMA chip differs from other brain-computer interface (BCI) devices, such as those developed by Neuralink, which are implanted directly into brain tissue. In contrast, PRIMA relies on implanting the chip behind the eye, making it less surgically invasive. Science Corporation also plans a sensor that is implanted inside the skull and rests on top of the brain, rather than inside the tissue. In terms of performance, the first patient was able to see letters and words, a significant achievement compared to currently unavailable treatments for Stargardt disease. While PRIMA is commercially available in Europe for geographic atrophy patients, there are no direct comparison figures with competing devices in this field.

Industry Impact & Enterprise Adoption

Although the PRIMA chip is primarily aimed at treating eye diseases in Europe and Australia, developments in brain-computer interfaces carry significant implications for the Arab world. With the increasing prevalence of genetic eye diseases in the region, this technology may offer hope to patients suffering from similar conditions. The success of these devices also opens the door for Arab medical technology companies to invest in developing similar local solutions. However, the high cost of research, development, and clinical trials remains an obstacle for startups in the region. On the other hand, these technologies could contribute to improving the quality of life for the elderly suffering from macular degeneration, a common disease in Arab countries.

Conclusion

The implantation of the PRIMA chip in the first Stargardt disease patient represents a significant step toward treating degenerative eye diseases. With plans to launch the next generation for human implantation within a year and achieve near-natural visual acuity within five years, Science Corporation is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in vision restoration. As the technology advances and becomes more accessible, it holds the potential to transform the lives of millions affected by retinal degenerative conditions worldwide.

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