Science Corporation’s vision-restoring chip wins EU approval

Science Corporation, a startup specializing in brain-computer interface technology, has secured regulatory approval from the European Union to sell its vision-restoring device, PRIMA. The decision marks a major milestone for the company, allowing it to proceed with commercial sales of the device, designed to restore sight to individuals suffering from age-related macular degeneration. The approval comes after extensive testing and regulatory evaluation, positioning Science Corporation at the forefront of neurotechnology innovation. The PRIMA device operates by implanting a small chip behind the eye following an outpatient procedure lasting approximately one hour. Patients then use camera-equipped glasses to capture visual data, which is transmitted to the chip. This system enables users to regain functional vision, allowing them to perform everyday tasks such as reading, recognizing faces, and engaging in activities previously hindered by vision loss. Early results from pilot programs suggest the device can significantly improve quality of life for affected individuals. Max Hodak, founder and CEO of Science Corporation, emphasized the transformative impact of PRIMA during a recent interview. He shared anecdotal success stories, including a patient in France who completed a 300-page novel and another who created a drawing of the Sydney Opera House. Video footage of patients solving crosswords and completing Sudoku puzzles further illustrates the practical benefits of the technology. These testimonials underscore the potential of PRIMA to revolutionize treatment options for those with severe vision impairment. Hodak, a former executive at Neuralink, Elon Musk’s BCI venture, left the company in 2021 to launch Science Corporation. His vision for the company includes developing advanced brain-computer interfaces that integrate both synthetic and biological components. To achieve this, Science Corporation initially focused on establishing a financially viable business model, aiming to generate annual revenues exceeding $100 million. This financial stability, Hodak argues, is crucial to sustaining long-term research into more complex neurotechnologies. In pursuit of this goal, Science Corporation acquired Pixium, a French company that had pioneered the PRIMA technology, in 2024. By leveraging its internal platforms, the company refined and expanded the PRIMA product, preparing it for regulatory submission and eventual market entry. The acquisition allowed Science Corporation to accelerate its development process while ensuring compliance with stringent medical standards. Currently, each PRIMA device is priced in the range of hundreds of thousands of dollars, necessitating ongoing discussions with healthcare providers regarding reimbursement strategies. The company is actively planning to introduce the device in Germany, where initial clinical trials took place, with the first procedures potentially beginning in September. Additionally, Science Corporation is working on enhancing the device's performance through a new chip and redesigning its accompanying glasses to reduce reliance on external batteries, aiming for a more streamlined user experience akin to augmented reality devices like Meta’s offerings. Beyond vision restoration, Science Corporation is collaborating with Dr. Murat Günel, chair of Yale Medical School’s Department of Neurosurgery, to explore human trials for a directly implanted bio-hybrid brain sensor. This initiative represents a broader ambition to push the boundaries of neurotechnology, integrating biological and artificial systems to enhance human capabilities. Hodak views the successful launch of PRIMA as critical to the company’s future. He stated that establishing a robust vision restoration business is essential to funding more ambitious projects, particularly those involving direct neural interfacing. Investors, he noted, are more inclined to support ventures with clear financial returns, reinforcing the importance of PRIMA as a foundational product for Science Corporation’s long-term strategy.