Israel Active

Israel’s ODE Pharma has discovered that a molecule, code named ODE-001 and derived from the papaya fruit, reduces inflammation and deterioration in organs adversely affected by cystic fibrosis. One scientist who originally suggested the molecule is Nobel laureate Aaron Ciechanover.

A 2-year study by Tel Aviv University researchers is being hailed as a test for vaccines and also to give early warning of a potential pandemic. Smartwatch sensors from Israel’s Biobeat (see previously) monitored the heart, lungs, blood oxygen, temperature, blood pressure, etc. of some 5,000 patients.

Early results of a study at Israel’s Rabin Medical Center of 29 patients showed new treatment for colorectal cancer eradicated tumors in 65% of patients and prevented surgery for most. Combined immunotherapy and chemoradiotherapy substantially improved survival and quality of life.

Ben Gurion University researchers published the first long-term study of stroke patient rehabilitation using Socially Assistive Robots (SARs).  The robots used speech, facial expressions, and gestures to guide and coach patients and improve outcomes.  (See also previously).

Israel’s IceCure Medical (see previously) presented the results of its three clinical studies using ProSense to treat breast cancer. Of the 389 patients treated, The ipsilateral tumor recurrence rate was 0.26%, resulting in a 99.74% recurrence-free rate.

Israel’s Restore Medical (see previously) has been granted Breakthrough Device Designation by the U.S. FDA for its transcatheter Pulmonary Artery Banding (PAB) system designed for patients suffering from left ventricle failure who currently have limited treatment options.

If you wanted to know what happened to Aerodentis (see previously) from Israel’s Dror Ortho-Design, there is good news. Aerodentis has been rebranded as Zsmile and its orthodontic system that straightens your teeth while you sleep is about to launch commercially.

4 years ago, six Israeli 9th-grade students put an experiment about brain disease progression aboard the International Space Station. The results have just been published in the June edition of Astrobiology. If repeated, it could have major implications for neurodegenerative disease treatment.

Israel’s FeelBetter (see previously) has validated its AI algorithm, using Israeli patient records, to predict and reduce the risk of multiple medicines causing side effects. FeelBetter has just partnered New Jersey’s Atlantic Health Systems with its half a million patients.

Researchers from Israel’s Ben Gurion and Canada’s British Columbia universities have discovered the pathway for cells to coordinate activity such as tissue repair.  3 to 8 local cells send Calcium ion signals to “hot-spots” inside lymph nodes, which then trigger actions and send signals back.