First Brain-Computer Interface Prescription Issued in Shanghai as World's First Implant Is Completed

Huashan Hospital, Fudan University announced that on July 13, the first prescription for the implantable brain-computer interface hand motor function compensation system (NEO) was written in Shanghai following its market approval, and the world's first implantation was completed at the hospital. The world's first invasive brain-computer interface medical device was approved for marketing in China on March 13 this year, and only four months elapsed between the world's first certificate and the world's first prescription. Relevant national ministries and commissions, together with Shanghai authorities and institutions, completed a seamless, full-process relay, efficiently carrying out first-batch production, equipment admission to hospitals, patient screening and inclusion in commercial health insurance.

The drug regulator accelerated the market launch of the innovative product through early involvement, tailored policies for each enterprise, whole-process guidance and coordinated review and research. The municipal health authority strengthened the management of clinical applications of brain-computer interfaces and formulated application standards and operating norms. The municipal medical insurance authority has included the NEO system in Huhuibao and continues to study and refine payment policies.