Retinal Implant Breakthrough

Science Corp. has taken the Prima retinal implant, a tiny chip smaller than a grain of rice, and completed clinical trials that demonstrated a high rate of restored vision. In the trial, a large majority of participants were able to read again, with many achieving the ability to read two letters at a time. The company estimates the procedure could cost around $200,000 initially, and it believes profitability is achievable with a modest number of monthly cases.

Acquisition and Refinement

The Prima technology was acquired from the French company Pixium Vision. Science Corp. refined the device, completed the trials that Pixium had begun, and submitted the results for regulatory approval in Europe. The company is also engaging with U.S. regulators to seek approval for the procedure.

Optogenetic Gene‑Therapy Ambitions

Beyond the implant, Science Corp. is exploring optogenetic gene therapy, which would make retinal neurons light‑sensitive, potentially eliminating the need for implanted electrodes. The company argues that the eye’s immune‑privileged status makes it an ideal site for such therapies.

Bio‑Hybrid Neural Interfaces

Science Corp. is developing a bio‑hybrid neural interface that places a wafer‑like grid on the brain’s surface. The grid contains engineered neurons grown from stem cells. In mouse experiments, the device enabled some animals to learn directional tasks when activated, suggesting that the engineered neurons can form functional connections with native brain circuits.

Safety and Reversibility

The company emphasizes that the engineered neurons can be deactivated by a simple oral medication, providing a built‑in safety valve. This approach aims to avoid the tissue damage associated with traditional electrode implants.

Long‑Term Vision

Max Hodda describes brain‑computer interfaces as a “longevity‑adjacent” story, envisioning future applications that could extend beyond medical treatment to broader enhancements of cognition and consciousness. While acknowledging that current applications are limited to serious medical conditions, Hodda suggests that advances could eventually make the technology more widely accessible.

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