Israel Active

The experimental vaccine ZMapp isn’t an Israeli invention, but it has been having some success in treating Ebola victims.  The problem is that stocks have run out and Israeli biotech Protalix has offered to produce more vaccine.  Separately, Israeli doctors are giving Cameroon medics training on how to fight the virus.

Former international violinist Naomi Elishuv gave up playing 20 years ago when she developed essential tremor.  Israeli doctors fitted a Deep Brain Stimulation electrode into her damaged brain under local anesthetic, and whilst Naomi played the violin, they guided it to the correct spot.   

Researchers at Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center have concluded that all Jewish women of Ashkenazi origin should be screened for BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations from age 30.  40% of ovarian cancer cases in Ashkenazi Jews are due to these mutations.

A study of 21,000 Israeli asthmatics showed that those with a Vitamin D deficiency were 25 percent more likely to have an asthmatic attack than those with normal levels.  Vitamin D is known to play a role in regulating the immune system.

Israel’s Teva reported that Phase III trial results for its asthma treatment reslizumab reduced the frequency of attacks by 50 – 60% compared to placebo.

As Israel’s Foamix prepares to go public, enter Phase III trials and get FDA approval, the latest results of its acne treatment are impressive; 72% reduction in pimples for 150 patients with moderate to severe acne during the 12-week treatment period; and zero side effects.

Israel’s Hil Applied Medical has patented lasers that perform safer, focused radiation cancer therapy using positively charged ions (protons).  Hil’s revolutionary reduced-size, economical lasers can bring proton therapy to many of the 300,000 US cancer patients and others who can benefit from it.

The exclusive International Society of Orthopedic Centers (ISOC) has expanded its membership to include one center in the Middle East: Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center. ISOC members must perform a minimum of 5,000 orthopedic surgeries each year.

(Thanks to Atid-EDI) Israel’s Kadimastem is to work with giant Merck to conduct screening for new treatments into Multiple Sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases. Kadimastem’s revolutionary technology uses stem cells to produce cells that protect or repair brain function.

Dr. Svetlana Bunimovich of Ariel University has developed mathematical models to improve the treatment of bladder cancer. She was inspired to study the issue when her mother was diagnosed with bladder cancer.