CIBR at the 2026 Zhongguancun Forum: "Beinao No. 1" Clinical Progress Recognized as a Major Achievement Amid a Wave of Flagship Technology Releases

Beijing, March 29, 2026 – During the Zhongguancun Forum (March 25–29), the Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing (CIBR) showcased breakthroughs in brain-machine interfaces (BMIs), gene therapies, depression treatments, and imaging tech, bridging lab research to clinical use.

A highlight was "Beinao No. 1" – the world's first high-throughput, wireless, semi-invasive BMI with 128-channel flexible electrodes. Implanted in seven patients with spinal injuries, strokes, or ALS, it aids limb and speech recovery. "Beinao No. 2" advances invasive BMI for motor and cognitive restoration.

In gene therapy, partnerships yielded:

• GA001 (blindness): AAV-based optogenetics restoring vision; FDA/CDE-approved for trials.
• GA002 (epilepsy): Targets seizures with inhibitory receptors, making them drug-controllable.
• GA008 (chronic pain): Reduces neural firing in pain centers.

GA002 and GA008, global firsts, show strong trial results and plan 2026 US-China filings.

For depression, a non-drug method uses acute intermittent hypoxia to release adenosine, mimicking ketamine's rapid effects safely.

The "BodyMapper" platform provides sub-micron imaging of mouse nervous systems, mapping neural connections.

These innovations promise restored function for paralysis, vision loss, pain, and depression, positioning China at the forefront of applied brain science.