http://www.verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com
As regular newsletter readers know, Israel has a huge positive impact on the world. This week’s news includes an Israeli Covid-19 treatment that also helps cancer patients; super-fast blood tests and DNA sequencing; plus good news for ALS patients, back pain sufferers and sick elderly Ukrainians. Israeli tech is providing better education opportunities for religious women, refugee Ukrainian children, language students, business managers, and those wishing to re-train in the hi-tech industry. The environment is benefiting from smart Israeli agriculture devices and new low-pollution manufacturing and construction processes. Israel’s economy gets better and better, with an unprecedented level of hi-tech exports, European and Asian partnerships, and continued investment in Israeli startups. Finally, as travel restrictions are removed, there is no better opportunity for overseas visitors to get a better view of this remarkable country. Michael Ordman
ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Covid-19 therapy also helps cancer patients. MesenCure – the life-saving Covid-19 treatment from Israel’s Bonus BioGroup (see here) also prevents a lethal inflammatory response that affects cancer patients receiving immunotherapy. In California trials MesenCure significantly reduced an overreaction of the immune system.
https://worldisraelnews.com/israeli-covid-drug-also-aids-cancer-immunotherapy-patients/
Slowing the progress of ALS. Israel’s Neuromagen (see here previously) has received US FDA Orphan designation for its AGS-499 candidate treatment of ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. AGS-499 has shown outstanding promise in lab tests, including using human cells.
https://www.biospace.com/article/neuromagen-pharma-ltd-receives-fda-orphan-drug-designation-for-its-ags-499-drug-candidate-to-slow-the-progression-of-als-amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-/
Life-changing 5-min blood test device. (TY UWI) Israel’s PixCell Medical (see here previously) has donated a HemoScreen 5-minute blood test device, along with hundreds of cartridges, to Ukraine, as it is ideal for “extreme point of care” use. It is also essential for emergencies and for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
https://www.israel21c.org/new-blood-test-device-saves-chemo-patients-time-and-energy/
Fast DNA sequencing. Israel’s Sequentify, a spinoff of Israel’s Weizmann Institute, enables fast and focused DNA sequencing, by combining tools from synthetic biology and artificial intelligence. Its Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) products include Covid-19 surveillance, cancer diagnostics, carrier screening and more.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bjemsap8c https://www.sequentify.com/
Speeding development of treatments. Israel’s Code Ocean has developed a consistent, secure, digital lab that integrates research in the cloud and helps speed medical and scientific discoveries to market. It enhances computational science and aims to boost the rapid development of treatments including personalized medicine.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bye5fdfw9 https://codeocean.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnloe01lxD8
Herbal medicine in a chocolate bar. Israel’s Solveat has manufactured health bars that are adapted to take herbal medicine extracts to treat specific medical conditions. The medicine can be eaten with a meal like ordinary food in the form of chocolate, crackers, or health bars.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bjut6t1p9
Honor for biochemist. Professor Nahum Sonenberg has been awarded an honorary doctorate at Israel’s Ben Gurion University. Born in a DP camp, his came to Israel in 1949, eventually studying biochemistry at Tel Aviv University. His groundbreaking work on proteins has advanced research into memory, cancer, autism and more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhbgBrkoYKI https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nahum_Sonenberg
An implant to relieve back pain. Ofer Levy, CEO at Israel’s ZygoFix (see here previously) explains how his company’s implant can relieve lower back and leg pain caused by pressure on the spine. The ZygoFix solution is far less invasive than current screws and bridge fusion surgery and is performed in the outpatient department.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/bkavsfgd9