New treatment for blood cancer using homegrown CAR-T therapy showing strong outcomes in first patients

 

Doctors at Rabin Medical Center have successfully produced genetically engineered cellular therapy, suitable even for patients with treatment-resistant disease. Recently, the first three myeloma patients were successfully treated at Davidoff Cancer Center. Prof Gal Markel: “Soon, we will harness the advanced therapeutic developments to target solid tumors such as lung and liver cancer, and later, autoimmune diseases".

 

  A major medical breakthrough has taken place at the Davidoff Cancer Center at Rabin Medical Center. In the laboratories of the Samueli Integrative Cancer Pioneering Institute, scientists have begun in-house production of genetically engineered cell therapies based on CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor) technology, designed also for multiple myeloma patients whose disease is resistant to several lines of treatment.

 

The first three patients underwent the procedure without any unusual complications and were discharged home as planned. CAR-T technology represents one of the most advanced innovations in modern cancer care. Immune system cells (T-cells) are taken from the patient and genetically engineered in the lab so they can identify and destroy myeloma cells. The retroviral vector technology to equip T-cells with myeloma-targeting CARs was developed in the labs of Dr. Armin Rehm and Dr. Uta Höpken at the Max Delbrück Center in Berlin, Germany. The engineered cells are then reinfused into the patient’s body, where they attack the cancer.

 

Each year in Israel, about 550 new patients are diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow. While treatment options and life expectancy have improved significantly, some patients do not respond to existing therapies, making advanced treatments urgently needed. 

                                           

 

The Samueli Integrative Cancer Pioneering Institute, led by Avner Paz-Tsuk, was established in 2023 and operates under the highest international standards for advanced therapy production. Its work is integrated within the Hemato-Oncology Division, headed by Prof. Pia Raanani. The CAR-T program is led by Prof. Michal Besser, Chief Technology Officer at Samueli Institute & the Davidoff Cancer Center. The clinical study is directed by Prof. Moshe Yeshurun, Head of the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, in collaboration with Dr. Iuliana Vaxman, Head of the Center for Multiple Myeloma and Rare Plasma Cell Disorders, and with Prof. Salomon Stemmer, Deputy Director of the Davidoff Center and Co-Founder of the Samueli Institute. The retroviral vector that delivers the gene encoding the engineered CAR into cells was provided by researchers at the Max Delbrück Center.

 

Dr. Iuliana Vaxman, Head of the Center for Multiple Myeloma and Rare Plasma Cell Disorders at the Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center: "Within our Hematology Division, we established a dedicated center for multiple myeloma and rare plasma cell diseases. As part of a clinical study, we began administering this treatment, and the early results show a very positive response. This is significant news for these patients. Our goal is to provide comprehensive care within the new center, and the availability of this innovative, locally produced technology at RMC will allow us to achieve that.”

 

Prof. Gal Markel, Director of the Davidoff Cancer Center at Rabin Medical Center: "In a short time, we have established advanced capabilities for developing and manufacturing original therapies using cutting-edge technologies. Combined with our clinical expertise, this positions Rabin Medical Center as a leader in advanced cancer treatment. This remarkable achievement belongs to the Samueli Institute and the dedicated teams of the Davidoff Hematology Division, who worked in full synergy- from production to patient care. Soon, we will expand CAR-T development and treatment to include solid tumors such as liver and lung cancer, and later autoimmune diseases, all produced and administered right here under one roof.”    

 

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One in a Million: Two twins out of triplets underwent a life-saving in-utero operation

 

A very rare coincidence at Rabin Medical Center - Beilinson Hospital in Israel: a triplet pregnancy with a life-threatening and extremely rare blood-flow complication ended with a successful cesarean delivery. At 26 weeks of pregnancy, two of the three fetuses underwent a complex, life-saving fetal surgery. Remarkably, this is the second time in the same family that twins with the same complication have undergone the exact same procedure.

Avishag Davidov, a 27-year-old makeup artist, and her husband Michael, 34, were surprised to discover that she was carrying a unique triplet pregnancy: a girl and two identical boys sharing one placenta. During the pregnancy, the boys were diagnosed with Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), a condition that endangered their lives. They were saved through a rare and complex in-utero laser surgery to separate the blood vessels connecting the twins. The procedure was performed by Dr. Yuval Gielchinsky, a fetal medicine specialist and Director of the Fetal Medicine Unit at Rabin Medical Center, and Dr. Kinneret Tenenbaum-Gavish, Head of the Twin Clinic. 

                                     

In Avishag’s family, this was not the first intrauterine surgery. Twenty years ago, her mother Ilana was pregnant with identical twins (Avishag’s brothers) who also developed TTTS, and she underwent the procedure in Belgium.

“TTTS is a dangerous complication that can occur in identical twins sharing a single placenta. In this condition, their blood vessels are connected within the placenta, and one fetus transfers blood to the other. They share a common circulatory system, which leads to an imbalance - one fetus receives too much blood while the other receives too little,” explains Dr. Gielchinsky, who performed the surgery on Avishag. 

                        

During the procedure, a thin camera and a laser fiber are inserted through the abdominal wall into the amniotic sac, and the connecting blood vessels between the twins’ circulatory systems are sealed. In the case of triplets, the surgery is significantly more complex due to the limited access to the uterus and the need to protect the third fetus.

“The syndrome develops in about 20% of identical twin pregnancies and can worsen rapidly, threatening the fetuses’ lives within days or weeks. Therefore, women carrying such pregnancies must be monitored every two weeks at a specialized identical-twin clinic, such as the one we have at Rabin Medical Center’s Fetal Medicine Unit.”

The triplets are now in good condition and, following delivery, received care at a neonatal intensive care unit. 

ten23 health ® and Neumirna Therapeutics team up to develop RNA therapy for epilepsy and other neurological diseases

 

 

The partnership aims to accelerate clinical translation of NMT.001, a microRNA-targeting RNA therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy.

 

ten23 health, the human-centric and sustainable strategic CDMO partner of choice for the pharmaceutical industry and biotech start-ups, is excited to announce its collaboration with Neumirna Therapeutics (‘Neumirna’), a biotechnology company developing RNA-based therapies for neurological diseases.

The two companies will collaborate to advance NMT.001, a microRNA–targeting antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) designed to treat drug-resistant epilepsy, towards clinical development. The goal is to bring the therapy into clinical trials, combining ten23’s formulation and manufacturing expertise with Neumirna’s RNA innovation.

“We are honored to collaborate with Neumirna Therapeutics and support their mission to address critical medical needs through innovative healthcare solutions,” said Dr. Susanne Jörg, COO of ten23 health. “Our expertise and ongoing research in drug product development, manufacturing, and testing of oligonucleotide therapies, including RNA, align seamlessly with Neumirna's commitment to delivering life-changing therapies. We share a common goal of improving patient care, and look forward to advancing this program effectively and efficiently.” 

“Partnering with ten23 health strengthens our ability to accelerate the development of our pipeline while maintaining the highest standards of quality,” said Dr. Ellen Donnelly, CEO at Neumirna Therapeutics. “Their proven track record and expertise support our vision of bringing novel therapies to patients in need. Together, we are taking a decisive step forward in advancing healthcare innovation.” 

The partnership arrives at a time of growing momentum for RNA and oligonucleotide-based therapies, particularly in areas with limited treatment options, such as chronic neurological diseases. ten23’s integrated services - spanning development, manufacturing, and testing - will enable faster and more robust advancement of complex therapies, and support biotechs like Neumirna on their path to commercialization.

Travels: Hôtel & Ryads Barrière Le Naoura, a rare interlude where art de vivre meets sporting elegance

                           

 

Just steps away from the legendary Jemâa el-Fna Square, shielded from the bustle of the medina, Hôtel & Ryads Barrière Le Naoura reveals a luxurious haven in the heart of the Red City. Conceived as an oasis of serenity, the property seamlessly blends French art de vivre with the richness of Moroccan hospitality, offering a rare experience where intimacy, elegance, and a passion for sport converge. 

 Exceptional Ryads — a home in Marrakech Beyond its 78 rooms and 7 suites, Le Naoura features 26 spectacular ryads, true architectural jewels at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. Designed to offer complete freedom, these private residences ranging from 240 to 450 sqm include 3 to 6 bedrooms, spacious Moroccan and European lounges, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private pool to experience Marrakech at its finest. Each ryad comes with the attentive service of a dedicated butler, available 24/7, ensuring a tailor-made stay where every detail is meticulously curated. Whether for a family getaway, a stay with friends or an exclusive golf retreat, these ryads embody the promise of an authentic, intimate, and generous luxury. 

Marrakech, a world-class golf destination For several years, Marrakech has established itself as one of the world’s most remarkable golfing destinations. Ideally located, Le Naoura partners with ten prestigious courses, all just minutes away from the hotel. Palmeraies, desert landscapes, panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains, bougainvillea and hibiscus — each course offers breathtaking scenery and a unique playing experience for golfers of all levels. The hotel’s concierge team provides seamless, bespoke support: tee time reservations, private transfers, equipment care and storage, and tailored recommendations — allowing guests to indulge their passion for golf with effortless elegance.  

   

 The Barrière experience: a celebration of art de vivre and excellence Staying at Hôtel & Ryads Barrière Le Naoura means embracing a rare interlude where every moment embodies French art de vivre and Moroccan warmth. After a round on Marrakech’s most beautiful greens, guests return to an oasis of refinement: inventive, locavore cuisine signed by Hamza Afquir at Fouquet’s Marrakech, the Spa Diane Barrière, a true sanctuary of well-being inspired by ancestral Moroccan rituals, a heated outdoor pool nestled in lush gardens, and a sunlit fitness center. Every detail reflects the same promise — elegance, generosity, and the Barrière signature — for an unforgettable luxury experience. 

**About Hôtel & Ryads Barrière Le Naoura Marrakech Opened in 2009, Le Naoura is an emblematic Barrière address in Morocco. Nestled in a lush oasis just steps from the medina, the property combines discreet luxury, exceptional service, and French art de vivre. With 78 rooms, 7 suites, 26 private ryads, two restaurants, a spa, a heated outdoor pool and partnerships with 10 prestigious golf courses, Le Naoura offers an exclusive escape designed for discerning travelers seeking serenity and unforgettable moments.   

     

Study confirms that people with ADHD can be more creative. The reason may be that they let their mind wander

 

New research confirms that ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can be linked to increased creativity and suggests that this creativity is associated with a greater tendency to let your mind wander. This first study to explain the link between ADHD and creativity, is presented at the ECNP congress in Amsterdam.

Lead researcher Han Fang (from the Radboud University Medical Centre, the Netherlands) said:
“Previous research pointed to mind wandering as a possible factor linking ADHD and creativity, but until now no study has directly examined this connection. We conducted two studies, utilising 2 different groups of ADHD patients and healthy controls, one from a European group curated by the ECNP, and a second study from a UK group. In total there were 750 participants. Separately analysing results from 2 independent groups means that we can have greater confidence in the results”.
 
The researchers examined the correlations between ADHD characteristics,  creativity, and functional impairments and the role of mind wandering in those links. Both patient groups showed classic ADHD characteristics, such as lack of attention, impulsivity, and the tendency to let one’s mind wander away from the subject in hand. Both studies showed that more ADHD symptoms were correlated with more mind wandering.
 
Mind wandering is defined as shifting attention away from the task at hand toward internally generated thoughts. Everyone is subject to a certain amount of mind wandering, but this is seen more in people with ADHD.
 
Han Fang added:
 
“Previous researchers have been able to distinguish two different types of mind wandering. It can be a loss of concentration, where your mind may drift from subject to subject. This is ‘spontaneous mind-wandering’.  Another type is ‘deliberate mind wandering’, where people give themselves the freedom to drift off-subject, where they ‘allow their thoughts to take a different course’. Psychiatrists have developed ways of measuring how much people are subject to these different tendencies”.
 
The researchers also measured creativity in both groups (there are standards ways of measuring this, for example by asking people to find  a creative use for an everyday object). They then looked at how creativity was associated with the different types of mind wandering.  
 
Dr Han Fang said:
 
“We found that people with more ADHD traits such as lack of attention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity, score higher on creative achievements in both studies. This supports previous research. Additionally, we found that mind wandering, particularly deliberate mind wandering, where people allow their “thoughts to wander on purpose”, was associated with greater creativity in people with ADHD. This suggests that mind wandering may be an underlying factor connecting ADHD and creativity.
 
This may have practical implications, for both psychoeducation and treatment. For psychoeducation, specially designed programs or courses that teach individuals how to utilize their spontaneous ideas, for example turning them into creative outputs, could help individuals with ADHD traits harness the benefits of mind wandering. For treatment, ADHD-tailored mindfulness-based interventions that seek to decrease spontaneous mind wandering or transform it into more deliberate forms may reduce functional impairments and enhance treatment outcomes. This is the first time this link has been investigated, so we need to see more studies which confirm the findings”.
 
Commenting, K.P. Lesch (Professor of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Würzburg, Germany) said
"Mind wandering is one of the critical resources on which the remarkable creativity of high-functioning ADHD individuals is based. This makes them such an incredibly valuable asset for our society and the future of our planet”.

ADHD: women are diagnosed five years later than men, despite symptoms appearing at the same age

  

 
 
Scientists have found that ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) in women is diagnosed approximately 5 years later than in men, despite symptoms appearing at the same age. Women with ADHD also suffer greater emotional and functional difficulties than men. This work will be presented at the ECNP Congress in Amsterdam, after recent publication.
 
Lead researcher Dr Silvia Amoretti (Barcelona) said:
 
“ADHD affects millions of people, but our understanding of how it presents and impacts males and females differently remains limited. We found that females are underdiagnosed, often receiving a diagnosis years later than males. This delay may lead to worse clinical outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and functional impairment. Males on the other hand showed a higher level of involvement in delinquent behaviours such as legal problems and driving-related difficulties. We believe that a better understanding these sex-based differences might improve diagnosis and treatment.”
 
The researchers analysed a large clinical sample of 900 adults (54.9% male, 45.1% female, average age 36.94) diagnosed with ADHD for the first time at a specialized outpatient program in Barcelona. They assessed differences between males and females in terms of age at diagnosis, ADHD symptom severity, psychiatric comorbidities, psychosocial functioning, and disability. Participants underwent a standardized battery of clinical interviews and validated rating scales. They found that females had been diagnosed with ADHD at an average age of 28.96 years, whereas males were diagnosed at age 24.13 on average. Symptoms appeared in both males and females at approximately the same age. Males were around 3 times more likely to have encountered legal problems (18.1%) than were females (6.6%).
 
Silvia Amoretti said:
 
“We found that although ADHD symptoms started at a similar age in males and females, women were diagnosed about five years later. By the time of diagnosis, they showed more severe symptoms, worse functioning in daily life, and higher rates of depression and anxiety.
 
This is important because it shows that ADHD often goes unnoticed in women until it becomes a serious problem. Our findings suggest that we may be missing the early signs in girls and women, especially when their symptoms are less disruptive but still impactful. This has clear implications for earlier screening and sex-sensitive diagnostic tools.
 
We didn’t set out to compare the age of diagnosis in males and females, we were aiming to understand the general age when symptoms appear, regardless of sex. This finding was not part of our initial hypotheses but became evident during the analysis but became evident during the analysis, and the scale of the difference in diagnosis between the sexes was a surprise.
 
It’s likely that women are diagnosed later because the symptoms of ADHD manifest themselves differently in men and women. Boys are more likely to be hyperactive or impulsive, and this behaviour is more visible to parents, teachers and clinicians. On the other hand, girls with ADHD are more likely to seem inattentive and generally less disruptive. This becomes clinically important, as it means that women are just not treated early enough, and often are just not diagnosed at all. We have seen similar tendencies internationally, so it is likely that this is a global problem. The nature of the condition leads to poorer diagnosis in women everywhere, meaning that women can lose on average five years of treatment, 5 years of a better life”.
 
Commenting, Professor Sandra Kooij (Amsterdam UMC/VUmc and PsyQ, the Hague, the Netherlands) said:
 
“This study by Sylvia Amoretti and colleagues shows the delay in diagnosis in girls and women with ADHD compared to boys and males. Different presentation of symptoms, lack of awareness among clinicians that women have ADHD too, and the hormonal changes leading to severe mood instability in the last week of the cycle are all responsible for the gender differences in time to diagnosis of ADHD. 
 
Increasing awareness in both society and medicine helps girls and women to get earlier help when they need it”.  
 

Psychiatry’s Biggest Antidepressant Trial Just Got Reanalyzed: “It May Have Misled Treatment for Decades”, Experts Claim

 Overmedication is one of fastest rising problems in psychiatry field worldwide

New findings challenge STAR*D, the 4,000-patient government study that shaped depression treatment guidelines for years. Reanalysis shows no clear benefit of follow-up antidepressants over placebo, and experts weigh in on the need for alternative treatment methods.

 A new analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology casts doubt on one of the most influential studies in modern psychiatry. When re-evaluated against randomized, placebo-controlled trials, most of the medication strategies used in the STAR*D trial, long seen as the gold standard for stepwise antidepressant care, show no measurable benefit beyond placebo.

The review compared STAR*D’s major treatment steps to real-world randomized controlled trial outcomes. Raising the SSRI dose, switching to another antidepressant, and adding common medications like bupropion or buspirone all failed to outperform placebo in blinded trials. 

The only add-on with consistent clinical benefit was lithium – which is constantly prescribed less and is harder to access due to known toxic effects on, e.g., the thyroid gland and the kidneys.  

“This study is a wake-up call,” said Dr. Hannah Nearney, clinical psychiatrist and UK Medical Director at Flow Neuroscience, a company that develops neuromodulation therapies for depression treatment. “Patients who don’t respond to the first antidepressant are often placed on a carousel of tweaks – higher doses, add-on pills, lateral switches – that produce side effects without providing real relief.”

An estimated 70% of patients with depression do not achieve remission with their first medication. Yet existing guidelines, based heavily on the STAR*D trial, still recommend drug modifications that, as reanalysis revealed, appear scientifically weak.

The new findings suggest these treatment steps may be driven more by expectation and placebo effects than by pharmacological mechanisms.

“This mirrors what we see every day in practice,” added Dr. Kultar Singh Garcha, NHS GP and Flow’s Global Medical Director. “Patients are stuck in trial-and-error cycles, not because we lack alternatives – but because those alternatives haven’t been prioritized in funding or regulation.”

One of those alternatives is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) – a wearable, non-invasive brain stimulation technology backed by clinical trials. Flow Neuroscience, whose CE-certified device is already used in the NHS, says the findings highlight an urgent need to expand access to safe, proven, non-drug interventions.

“While tens of millions continue to cycle through barely effective drug combinations, validated neuromodulation therapies are still being overlooked or overregulated,” added Dr. Nearney. “We must give patients options grounded in science, and it must stay up-to-date. We’re living in a time where depression is becoming the next epidemic.”

The study’s authors argue for a rethinking of depression treatment models. As it claims, not all medications are ineffective – but the common practice of escalating doses or stacking drugs without placebo-controlled evidence may be doing more harm than good.

“This doesn’t mean medication should be abandoned,” Dr. Garcha concluded. “But if we’re going to recommend a new drug step, it has to outperform staying the course – not just look promising in an unblinded study. Otherwise, we’re replacing one flawed approach with another.”