(Bloomberg) — Neuralink, the brain-computer interface company founded by Elon Musk, pushed back against criticism of its treatment of monkeys in research as the welfare of animals comes under greater scrutiny.
The company currently developing a brain implant intended to help treat a variety of neurological disorders faced backlash over claims that monkeys used in the project were mistreated. Neuralink denied the claims in a statement on Monday, insisting on its commitment to animal welfare.
“All novel medical devices and treatments must be tested in animals before they can be ethically trialed in humans,” the company said, adding that it has never received a citation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture after inspections of its facilities and animal care program.
This follows revelation that the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, an animal rights group, filed a complaint with the USDA against the University of California for what it described as “invasive and deadly brain experiments conducted on 23 monkeys.”
Neuralink relied on the university, home to the Davis Primate Center, to conduct the brain research project as it houses and cares for monkeys used in the experiments.
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