China establishes pricing regulations for brain-computer interface services
China has established pricing guidelines for brain-computer interface services. These new regulations aim to standardize costs associated with these advanced technologies, promoting transparency and accessibility within the industry.
TroibNews 
On Wednesday, China's National Healthcare Security Administration unveiled pricing guidelines for brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies, marking a significant step toward integrating this innovative technology into clinical settings as it matures.
The administration's guidelines outline the pricing structure for neurological medical services, detailing specific fees for invasive BCI implantation and removal, along with costs associated with non-invasive BCI adaptation.
BCI facilitates direct communication between the brain and external devices through the use of implanted electrodes or external sensors, leading to two broad categories of BCI technology: invasive and non-invasive.
Unlike Elon Musk's Neuralink, which employs a fully invasive brain implant, existing clinical trials in China have utilized a semi-invasive device known as Neural Electronic Opportunity (NEO). Developed by a team led by Hong Bo from Tsinghua University’s School of Medicine, NEO features an electrode detector positioned between the skull and the dura mater. This design minimizes direct damage to brain tissue while still enabling high-quality signal acquisition.
This semi-invasive approach has been successfully tested in clinical trials, including the inaugural surgery conducted at Capital Medical University Xuanwu Hospital in Beijing. The patient involved regained the ability to move their hand with the help of an air-filled glove.
To date, three patients have undergone NEO device implantation surgeries. Hong stated that the research team aims to complete 30-50 clinical cases by 2025. Additionally, they are partnering with a company to set up a production line at Zhangjiang Cell Industrial Park in Shanghai, which will be capable of producing 10,000 units annually.
Looking ahead, Hong noted that the next iteration of the device is anticipated to be as compact as a coin, featuring 64 channels and employing lighter materials and advanced chip technology to improve performance.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
The administration's guidelines outline the pricing structure for neurological medical services, detailing specific fees for invasive BCI implantation and removal, along with costs associated with non-invasive BCI adaptation.
BCI facilitates direct communication between the brain and external devices through the use of implanted electrodes or external sensors, leading to two broad categories of BCI technology: invasive and non-invasive.
Unlike Elon Musk's Neuralink, which employs a fully invasive brain implant, existing clinical trials in China have utilized a semi-invasive device known as Neural Electronic Opportunity (NEO). Developed by a team led by Hong Bo from Tsinghua University’s School of Medicine, NEO features an electrode detector positioned between the skull and the dura mater. This design minimizes direct damage to brain tissue while still enabling high-quality signal acquisition.
This semi-invasive approach has been successfully tested in clinical trials, including the inaugural surgery conducted at Capital Medical University Xuanwu Hospital in Beijing. The patient involved regained the ability to move their hand with the help of an air-filled glove.
To date, three patients have undergone NEO device implantation surgeries. Hong stated that the research team aims to complete 30-50 clinical cases by 2025. Additionally, they are partnering with a company to set up a production line at Zhangjiang Cell Industrial Park in Shanghai, which will be capable of producing 10,000 units annually.
Looking ahead, Hong noted that the next iteration of the device is anticipated to be as compact as a coin, featuring 64 channels and employing lighter materials and advanced chip technology to improve performance.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
