Israel Active

The Israel Innovation Authority, NVIDIA, Teva, Sheba, CytoReason, TerraCyte, MeMed, Weizmann, Technion, BGU, and others will establish a NIS 70 million consortium to develop the next generation of AI applications in biology, therapy discovery, and personalized medicine.

AstraZeneca is expanding its partnership with Israel’s Immunai (see previously), deepening its use of Immunai’s AMICA-OS artificial intelligence platform in oncology treatment development. Immunai will be eligible to receive up to $37.5 million during 2026 and 2027.

Israel’s MSICS Pharma is developing medical-grade technology to grow and produce psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms. In trials, psilocybin shows strong potential in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, plus eating disorders such as anorexia.

A new study led by Tel Aviv University offers real hope to millions worldwide affected by spinal cord injury (SCI). Removing blood glutamate, that forms immediately after injury, significantly improves functional recovery.

A team of scientists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the US has found that the body’s insulin-producing cells continuously adjust over time to keep blood sugar stable, raising the possibility of new treatments that could delay or prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Researchers at Jerusalem’s Hebrew University have developed EvORanker to determine which gene is likely causing a patient’s symptoms. In tests, EvORanker outperformed existing tools, especially when the gene had not previously been linked to disease.

The Genesis Prize Foundation and the Jewish Funders Network launched a $2 million matching grant program in honor of 2026 Genesis Prize Laureate Gal Gadot (see previously) to help Israelis deal with emotional and physical trauma since Oct. 7, 2023.

Hebrew University of Jerusalem scientists have compiled a compendium of 2,200 bitter molecules that will help predict bitterness without ever having to taste it. Their research on TAS2R14, a bitter receptor, can help make medicine ‘easier to swallow’ and even treat lung diseases.

Staff Sergeant Effi Ben-Yakar, a reservist in a special unit suffered cardiac arrest during leave and passed away at Ichilov Hospital. His lungs went into a 38-year-old woman; his liver into a 71-year-old man and his kidneys into two men, aged 40 and 64.

Israel’s Silexion Therapeutics (see previously) received Israeli Ministry of Health approval to initiate a Phase 2/3 trial of SIL204 in locally advanced pancreatic cancer, marking advancement to clinical-stage development. SIL204 targets a range of common KRAS mutations.