Israel Active

Israeli biotech Kamada received patent approval for its unique protein proprietary technologies used to produce the company's intravenous AAT drug. GLASSIA treats chronic emphysema due to congenital deficiency of AAT (Alpha-1 Antitrypsin), an under-diagnosed hereditary condition, which causes irreversible damage to lung tissue, severe lung disease, and even death.

During 2011, the Yad Sarah voluntary organization assisted 420,000 people around the country and saved NIS 1.5 billion that otherwise would have been come from public coffers. This included the lending of 270,000 pieces of medical equipment, from walkers and wheelchairs to air mattresses for the bedridden and oxygen-producing machines. (Please also read the wedding story below.)

Last week I reported that Insightec’s ExAblate 4000’s focussed ultrasound system successfully treated essential tremor sufferers. Well Yoav Medan of Insightec is a friend of my friend Stuart Palmer of CoHaV who has shared this excellent presentation of Yoav explaining the success of ExAblate.

An independent 12-month MRI study of Teva’s Copaxone multiple sclerosis treatment has reported significant regeneration of brain tissue of MS sufferers and proves Copaxone’s ability to repair the brain lesions responsible for MS.

Israel’s Pocared Diagnostics Ltd. has obtained EU CE Mark certification to market its automated urine test product, which uses light refraction to detect bacteria in samples in real time.

Initial trials have proved that Insightec’s ExAblate 4000 focused ultrasound treatment significantly improved patients suffering from essential tremor with no side effects.

Israel’s Can-Fite BioPharma has reported success in the Phase I/II clinical trial of its CF102 (Namodenoson) treatment for liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC). It was also successful in Phase I/II trials for treating Hepatitis C.

(Thanks to NoCamels) The goal of the non-profit organisation Hatzalah (Hebrew for “Rescue”) is to provide a response within two to four minutes from the onset of an incident. So volunteers use scooters to speed through busy Israeli streets to get to emergency scenes before ambulances can.

The "Innovations in Cardiovascular Interventions" (ICI) conference that took place in Tel Aviv was one of the largest international conferences in the field of cardiovascular intervention. Israel is a leader in cardiology innovation, producing stents, heart valves inserted by catheters, devices to navigate in the heart and innovative pace makers.

Please read this latest report about the wonderful work of Israeli humanitarian organisation “Save A Child’s Heart”. At a time of political stalemate between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, hearts are still being fixed and bonds are being forged between the people.