About Us
Founded in 1944, the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science develops philanthropic support for the Weizmann Institute in Israel, and advances its mission of science for the benefit of humanity.
https://www.weizmann-usa.org/news-media/news-releases/wrapping-up/
Jun 26, 2007... REHOVOT, ISRAEL—June 26, 2007—In a host of neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and several neuropathies, the protective covering surrounding the nerves — an insulating material called myelin — is damaged. Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science have now discovered an important new line of communication between nervous system cells that is crucial to the development of myelinated nerves — a discovery that may aid in restoring the normal function of the affected nerve fibers.
Nov 29, 2018... On November 29, 2018, American Committee supporters from across the U.S. tuned in for new CEO Dave Doneson’s first video conference, “Weizmann Science: Why Basic Research Matters and Merits Our Support.” In conversation with Bonnie Diamond, Senior Vice President of Donor Relations & National Programs, Mr. Doneson illustrated the value of basic science by sharing the stories of three transformative breakthroughs.
Oct 10, 2007... REHOVOT, ISRAEL—October 10, 2007—A group of Israeli scientists from the Technion — Israel Institute of Technology, the Weizmann Institute of Science, and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries have recently identified genes responsible for the positive response of many multiple sclerosis (MS) patients to the drug Copaxone®. These findings may contribute to the development of personalized medicine for MS sufferers.
https://www.weizmann-usa.org/news-media/in-the-news/my-intuition-says-teva-will-get-out-of-this/
Oct 09, 2017...
Prof. Michael Sela Photo: Eyal Izhar
“My intuition tells me that Teva will extricate itself,” Professor Michael Sela, who, together with Ruth Arnon and Deborah Teitelbaum, developed Teva’s blockbuster multiple sclerosis treatment Copaxone at the Weizmann Institute, told “Globes” yesterday.
It was Sela’s close friendship with the late Eli Hurvitz, Teva’s legendary CEO, that brought Copaxone to Teva and made the company what it is today. Former Teva CFO, and currently a director of the company, Dan Suesskind has related in the past how Sela spoke to Hurvitz about a potential drug, COP-1, which eventually became Copaxone. “Fortunately, Teva was allowed to look at the drug file for just $50,000. Who knows, maybe if thrifty Eli had been offered the file for $500,000, Copaxone would never have seen the light of day,” Suesskind said.
https://www.weizmann-usa.org/news-media/in-the-news/unraveling-the-mysteries-of-science-and-disease/
Feb 23, 2014...
PROF. MICHEL REVEL. Photo: JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
Six months after his 75th birthday, after teaching generations of young graduate and post-doctoral students at the Weizmann Institute of Science and with a wife, four children and 12 grandchildren, one could expect Prof. Michel Revel to sit back and enjoy life. Yet, the Frenchborn, internationally acclaimed molecular geneticist, who invented a major drug to treat multiple sclerosis used around the world and received the Israel Prize, EMET Prize and other major awards, has his eyes fixed on the future.
Nov 01, 2016... Understanding Immunotherapy: History and Lifesaving Breakthroughs
Dec 19, 2018...
Image via Shutterstock.com
Worldwide, about 3 million people are afflicted by multiple sclerosis (MS), an incurable autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the fatty membrane (myelin sheath) that insulates the long extensions of nerve cells.
Damaged myelin prevents nerves from communicating with the brain properly, causing symptoms such as blurred vision, difficulty in walking, dizziness and muscular weakness.
Jun 13, 2017...
Thanks to advances in healthcare, sanitation, safety, and nutrition, people today are living longer than ever; in fact, in the West, the fastest-growing demographic is age 85 and up.
Fortunately, Weizmann Institute of Science researchers from across the disciplines have long made it a priority to investigate neurodegenerative and neurological disorders, including those that tend to strike older people; just some of these areas of research include Parkinson’s, glaucoma and advanced macular degeneration (AMD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease), nerve degeneration as a result of trauma or stroke – and, especially, Alzheimer’s disease.
May 28, 2022...
Michael Sela, a world-renowned Israeli immunology expert who also served as president of the Weizmann Institute of Science, died on Friday at the age of 98.
An Israel Prize laureate at the age of 35 for his life science research who also earned many other awards during his career, Sela was involved in the development of the drug Copaxone for the treatment of multiple sclerosis as well as three cancer treatment drugs. His research shed light on the genetic aspects of the functioning of the immune system and led to new fields of immunology.
https://www.weizmann-usa.org/news-media/feature-stories/remembering-prof-michael-sela/
May 31, 2022...
The worldwide community of the Weizmann Institute of Science deeply mourns the passing of our beloved longtime leader, preeminent scientist, and dear friend, Prof. Michael Sela.
Throughout his illustrious career, Michael made numerous discoveries that forever changed immunological research, shedding light on the genetic control of the immune response.
He co-invented the blockbuster drug Copaxone® for the treatment of multiple sclerosis as well as three cancer treatment drugs – Erbitux®, Vectibix®, and Portrazza® – which have improved the lives of millions worldwide.
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