Mind-Controlled tech trial launches for ALS patients
NCT ID NCT07446114
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests a brain-computer implant (BCI) that lets people with ALS or motor neuron disease control digital devices using only their thoughts. Ten participants will receive the implant, and researchers will monitor safety and how well the device works over one year. The goal is to improve daily function and independence for people with severe limb weakness.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 10 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Mar 2026
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Able to provide informed consent to participate in the study, in the opinion of the Investigator(s). 2. Diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or motor neuron disease, with bilateral upper-limb paresis. 3. Aged 18 years or older. 4. Life expectancy greater than 12 months post-implantation, in the opinion of the Investigator(s). 5. Preserved precentral gyrus assessed using CT. 6. Suitable vascular anatomy, in the opinion of the Investigator(s), assessed using CT venography. 7. Suitable anatomy for subcutaneous pocket creation. 8. Able to undergo anesthesia. 9. Willing and able to comply with investigational requirements, including clinical testing visits and training visits in the home. 10. Caregiver(s) willing and able to facilitate study visits, including visits at the study site and in the home, and BCI use outside of study visits (e.g., device charging). 11. Patient and Caregiver fluent in English. 12. Suitable home environment for BCI training, including an internet connection. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Unrealistic expectations regarding the potential benefits of the device, in the opinion of the Investigator(s). 2. Active infection or unexplained fever in the 48 hours prior to informed consent. 3. Major psychiatric disorder that may adversely impact the participant's safety or study compliance (e.g., severe depression, psychotic features, personality disorder, severe emotional lability, substance abuse), in the opinion of the Investigator(s). 4. Dementia or cognitive dysfunction that would impact the participant's ability to participate in study activities, in the opinion of the Investigator(s). 5. Active implanted device (e.g., deep brain stimulator, cardiac defibrillator, pacemaker, vagal nerve stimulator, spinal cord stimulator, diaphragmatic pacer, etc.). 6. Known allergy to patient-contacting materials included in the implanted device (listed in Physician Implant Manual). 7. Contraindication to angiographic imaging or iodine contrast media. 8. History of central venous sinus thrombosis. 9. Recent history of new venous thromboembolic event (in the 6 months prior to implant) or recurrent history of venous thromboembolic disease. 10. Contraindication to antithrombotic therapy, in the opinion of the Investigator(s). 11. Participant is at substantially increased risk of infection, including immunocompromised status, recurrent or chronic infection, or poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. 12. Significant risk of non-healing of the subcutaneous pocket incision, including history of chronic non-healing surgical wounds or poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. 13. Currently receiving or expected to require medical treatment that may be precluded by device implant, including magnetic resonance imaging, transcranial magnetic stimulation, electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial ultrasound, shortwave, microwave, and/or therapeutic ultrasound diathermy, or balloon angioplasty or stenting in the target vessel. 14. Pregnant or breast feeding. 15. Patients who are currently enrolled in any other clinical trial that would confound interpretation of safety or effectiveness data or may interfere with the ability to meet study requirements. 16. Patients with ALS due to SOD1 mutations on gene therapy. 17. Any other disease or disorder that could significantly affect participation in the study, in the opinion of the Investigator(s). Examples may include corrected vision insufficient for viewing computer screens or hearing insufficient for following verbal instructions, which might impact the participant's ability to participate in BCI training and testing.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
2 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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St. Michael's Hospital
RECRUITINGToronto, M5C 1R6, Canada
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Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
RECRUITINGToronto, Ontario, M5C 1N2, Canada
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Ultra-Strong MRI scans could spot ALS earlier
- Can a brain implant let paralyzed people control computers with their minds?
- Can a stimulated muscle biopsy untangle two similar nerve and muscle diseases?
- Can hope and trust boost engagement with rehab robots?
- Squeeze away the jitters: could a simple ball ease procedure anxiety?