Elon Musk faces allegations of securities fraud for downplaying the role of Neuralink brain implants in the deaths of monkeys during trials, prompting a call for SEC investigation based on veterinary records suggesting implant-related complications.
Musk Denies Allegations of Neuralink's Involvement in Monkey Deaths
On September 10, Musk acknowledged via X (formerly Twitter) the macaque deaths in Neuralink's research but refuted any connection to Neuralink brain implants, asserting careful subject selection. He claimed Neuralink's animal testing aimed to validate existing scientific hypotheses rather than being exploratory.
In contrast, public records, interviews, and veterinary reports reveal a starkly different narrative, detailing the suffering of numerous Neuralink primate subjects, all of whom required euthanasia. This discrepancy could prompt an SEC investigation into Musk's statements about Neuralink.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, an organization advocating against live animal testing, sent letters to the SEC, alleging Musk was knowingly misled regarding primate deaths. They insist that investors deserve accurate information about the safety and marketability of Neuralink's speculative product.
Musk's post on X concerning Neuralink's monkey experiments garnered substantial attention, with the Physicians Committee underscoring the SEC's prior consideration of Musk's social media posts as sources of investor news. Given Neuralink's fundraising activities, which have attracted over $280 million from external investors, the SEC holds jurisdiction over securities, including those from privately held firms like Neuralink.
Monkey Deaths During Neuralink Trial
Several disturbing cases have emerged from Neuralink's primate experiments. In December 2019, a monkey known as "Animal 20" experienced severe complications during an experimental surgery meant to assess the viability of an implant.
An internal component of the device broke off during implantation, leading to distressing symptoms like scratching at the surgical site, a bloody discharge, and the dislodging of part of the device.
Despite attempts to repair the issue, fungal and bacterial infections took hold, exacerbated by the implant covering the infected area, ultimately resulting in the euthanization of the monkey in January 2020.
Another case involved "Animal 15," a female monkey, who displayed distressing behavior following her implant surgery in March 2019. She exhibited head-pressing, indicative of pain or infection, and despite her discomfort, she engaged with her cage mate. Over time, her coordination deteriorated, and she trembled when encountering lab personnel.
Her condition progressively worsened until euthanization. Necropsy results revealed brain bleeding and damage to her cerebral cortex attributed to the Neuralink implants.
"Animal 22" faced a tragic outcome in March 2020 when his cranial implant loosened. Necropsy findings suggested mechanical failure, contradicting Elon Musk's claim that no monkeys died due to Neuralink's chips.
Those involved in Neuralink's research have raised questions about Musk's assertion that the monkeys were already close to death before the program, pointing to extensive behavioral training required for their involvement, which spans up to a year.
These revelations come amid previous federal investigations into Neuralink's animal testing practices by agencies like the US Department of Agriculture's Office of Inspector General and the US Department of Transportation. Despite these probes, Neuralink received FDA approval for human trials, with recent plans to enable people with paralysis to control computer devices using their thoughts.
RELATED ARTICLE: Elon Musk's Neuralink Facing Federal Investigation for Potential Animal-Welfare Violations Amid Internal Staff Complaints
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