Treatment pathway for fatal epilepsy; FDA prioritizes Alzheimer’s therapy device; Weizmann Institute battles to conquer cancer; and much more!

by Michael Ordman

ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Treatment pathway for fatal epilepsy

Dravet syndrome is an epileptic condition with a 15 to 20 percent mortality rate and resistant to current medications. Tel Aviv University researchers have discovered that the DHODH gene is key to triggering such adverse neural activity and that Terflunomide can inhibit it.

https://www.jns.org/israeli-scientists-discover-potential-new-epilepsy-treatment/

FDA prioritizes Alzheimer’s therapy device

I reported previously (see here) on the NeuroAD cranial device from Israel’s Neuronix. It already has European approval and is now being urgently reviewed in the FDA’s Expedited Access Pathway program for breakthrough devices that target vital unmet needs.
https://www.medpagetoday.com/neurology/alzheimersdisease/78739

Weizmann Institute battles to conquer cancer

At Israel’s Weizmann Institute there are over 60 research groups focusing on beating cancer and over 40% of the Institute’s life sciences research is cancer-related.

Treatment hope for Williams Syndrome

Tel Aviv University scientists have linked gene Gtf2i to Williams Syndrome (WS) and the thinning of the myelin layer that protects neurons in the brain. In lab tests they managed to reverse some WS symptoms using the FDA-approved antihistamine clemastine fumarate.
https://socsci3.tau.ac.il/boazbarak/research/
http://news.mit.edu/2019/neuroscientists-reverse-symptoms-williams-syndrome-0422

Micro pancreas for diabetics

I reported previously (Dec 2015) on Israel’s Betalin Therapeutics, which has developed an insulin-producing micro pancreas that can be implanted into the body of diabetics. Betalin has since won startup awards in Tel Aviv and China and has just raised funds to help start human trials this year.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-diabetes-treatment-co-betalin-therapeutics-raises-25m-1001283394
http://www.betalintherapeutics.com/most-promising%20startup-in-Israel.html

US approval for opioid overdose spray

The US FDA has approved the generic naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray developed by Israel’s Teva. Commonly known as Narcan, the medication can stop or reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The emergency treatment can be administered even by those without medical training.
http://nocamels.com/2019/04/fda-approval-teva-generic-nasal-spray-opioid-overdose/

Successful blood test trial

I reported previously (see here) on Israel’s Sight Diagnostics’ device that can perform full blood tests using just a few drops of blood. Sight Diagnostics has just completed a successful trial which should help it obtain US FDA approval. The device is already marketed in Europe and Israel.
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-sight-diagnostics-successful-in-clinical-trial-1001281957

Pumpkin seed extract treatment for BHP

A recent study of Go-Less® Men (EFLA®940 – an extract from pumpkin seeds) to be effective in the treatment of symptoms of BHP (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). Go-Less is marketed by Israel-founded Frutarom. A previous study showed Go-Less to relieve incontinence in women.
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/jmf.2018.0106
https://www.frutaromhealth.com/clinical-study-shows-high-effectiveness-of-go-less/ https://www.go-less.com/

MDA ambulance number 12

I reported previously (2nd Sep) when retired surgeon Norman Rosenbaum was awarded by UK PM Theresa May for helping to buy 11 ambulances for Israeli emergency service Magen David Adom. Norman has just fundraised his 12th ambulance for MDA who awarded him Humanitarian of the Year.
https://jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/community-hero-who-raised-funds-for-12-ambulances-honoured-by-mda/

Helping surgeons prepare

US-Israeli startup Theator uses computer vision and machine learning algorithms to help surgeons prepare for procedures by reviewing previous cases. Its Minute system edits videos of surgical procedures to highlight the key steps and “outcome-critical” components to reduce medical errors.
https://www.calcalistech.com/ctech/articles/0,7340,L-3760803,00.html https://www.theator.io/how-it-works

How ultrasound treats tremor

This article gives an excellent description of the process used by Israel’s Insightec to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s and Essential Tremor patients. The technology is being used in over 50 medical centers around the world and has treated over 2,000 neuro-patients.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-startup-uses-ultrasound-waves-to-reduce-parkinsons-tremors/

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