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Israeli researchers have proved that exercise using Virtual Reality (VR) systems can halve the number of incidents of falls in the elderly; Israeli researchers have used gene therapy to prevent metastasis – the spread of breast cancer to other parts of the body, and much more. 

By: Michael Ordman

 

ISRAEL’S MEDICAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Using Virtual Reality to prevent falls

Tel Aviv University researchers have proved that exercise using Virtual Reality (VR) systems can halve the number of incidents of falls in the elderly. Falls in adults aged 65 and over account for about 2% of all healthcare expenditures in high-income countries,
http://www.timesofisrael.com/virtual-reality-can-help-prevent-falls-in-elderly-israeli-team-finds/
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(16)31325-3/abstract

Stopping the spread of breast cancer

In laboratory tests, researchers at Tel Aviv University and MIT have used gene therapy to prevent metastasis – the spread of breast cancer to other parts of the body. 80% of women with metastatic cancer die from the disease within five years of being diagnosed.
http://www.jpost.com/Business-and-Innovation/Health-and-Science/Are-Israeli-researchers-a-step-closer-to-halting-the-spread-of-breast-cancer-468144

A cure for motion sickness

MotionCure from Israel’s Sidis Labs can provide relief from motion sickness within minutes. MotionCure’s combination of a neck collar and a travel pillow transmits customized pulses to the median nerve at the back of neck. These counter negative signals from the brain that upset the stomach.
http://www.israel21c.org/a-device-that-pulses-away-motion-sickness/

http://www.sidislabs.com/motioncure

Treatment for Sickle Cell Disease

The first patient with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) has received a transplant of CordIn from Israeli biotech Gamida Cell. CordIn is an alternative for patients awaiting a suitable match for bone marrow transplants. Trials of CordIn are planned for patients with aplastic anemia.
http://www.gamida-cell.com/press_item.asp?ID=67&t=Gamida-Cell-Announces-First-Patient-with-Sickle-Cell-Disease-Transplanted-in-Phase-1/2-Study-of-CordIn%E2%84%A2-as-the-Sole-Graft-Source-

Patent for ocular neuro-protectant treatment

Quark is a US company with its R&D in Israel. The US Patent and Trademark Office has granted Quark a key patent for its ocular neuro-protectant QPI-1007, covering the treatment of patients suffering from non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
http://quarkpharma.com/?p=12340

Boost for colon X-ray capsule

Israel’s Check-cap, developer of the world’s first ingestible colon X-ray capsule, has announced three key news items. It is partnering with GE Healthcare to develop high-volume manufacturing. It also received $1.2 million from the Israeli government and $5.9 million from private sources.
http://ir.check-cap.com/2016-08-04-Check-Cap-Announces-Agreement-with-GE-Healthcare-for-X-Ray-Capsule-Manufacturing-Collaboration 
http://ir.check-cap.com/2016-08-02-Check-Cap-Awarded-1-25-Million-Grant-for-2016-From-Israels-Office-of-the-Chief-Scientist

http://ir.check-cap.com/2016-08-08-Check-Cap-Ltd-Announces-5-9-Million-Financing

More treatments from Teva

Israel’s Teva has launched in the US the generic equivalent to Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) for the treatment of leukemia and other cancer-related diseases. Also, Europe has approved Teva’s CINQAERO (reslizumab) – the first intravenous anti-IL-5 biologic therapy for severe eosinophilic asthma.
http://www.tevapharm.com/news/teva_announces_launch_of_generic_gleevec_tablets_in_the_united_states_08_16.aspx
http://www.tevapharm.com/news/european_commission_grants_marketing_authorization_for_teva_s_cinqaero_reslizumab_08_16.aspx

Europe funds Israeli blood test for viruses and bacteria

The UN has prioritized fighting antibiotic resistance. Meanwhile, the European Commission has granted 2.3 million Euros to Israeli biotech MeMed to help develop its fast blood test that distinguishes between bacterial and viral infections – and thus significantly reduces the unnecessary use of antibiotics.
http://www.jpost.com/Business-and-Innovation/Health-and-Science/Israeli-product-that-pinpoints-viruses-bacteria-gets-European-grant-467771 http://www.bbc.com/news/health-31941538

Device to seal burst arteries

Israel’s InSeal Medical has received CE Mark approval for its InClosure VCD (Vascular Closure Device), designed to close large bore arterial punctures. These could be emergencies such as abdominal aortic aneurysms or in procedures such as heart valve replacements.
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/inseal-medical-ltd-announces-ce-mark-approval-for-the-inclosure-large-bore-vascular-closure-device-589461411.html

Corneal edema treatment approved for the US

The US FDA has approved the Hyper-CL contact lens for the treatment of corneal edema developed by Israel’s EyeYon Medical. The product is already approved for marketing in Europe. About two million people develop corneal edema annually.
http://www.eye-yon.com/press-eyeyon-medical-announces-receiving-fda-510-k-clearance/

Pain relief machines for women in labor

Yad Sarah, the voluntary organization that lends out medical equipment and offers many other services to the ill, lonely and elderly, has bought hundreds of TENS machines. These provide pain relief for women in labor and will be lent to expectant mothers from Yad Sarah branches.
http://www.jpost.com/Business-and-Innovation/Health-and-Science/Health-Scan-TENS-for-free-467997

 

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