Israeli Innovation Fighting the CoronaVirus
Since the Corona Virus has been reported spreading rapidly across the world, Israel has been investing major effort in preventing a health crisis in the country. While the Israeli leaders are preparing, Israeli companies are developing new technologies to help prevent the global outbreak.
Last Thursday (27.3), an Israeli Biological Medical Company named BATM, announced they have successfully developed an accurate diagnostic kit to detect the COVID-19 known to be the Coronavirus. Within 25 minutes, the kit will allow labs to diagnose the patients. Last Thursday BATM, announced that the developed kit by bio-medical division has been tested by several central laboratories and hospitals. Production will begin at the company’s Adaltis facility in Rome. BATM is a leading provider of real-time technologies for networking solutions and medical laboratory systems, announces that its Bio-Medical division. Dr. Zvi Marom CEO said: “We have already received extremely positive feedback and significant interest from several leading medical institutions that have started testing the first panel of Ador’s NATlab solution and adding COVID-19 will greatly strengthen its appeal and value.”
Another Israeli innovation is brought by Sonovia, who is creating a washable antiviral fabric that kills bacteria and viruses upon contact. Sonovia uses soundwaves to impregnate the surface of the fabric with metallic nanoparticles like zinc oxide and copper oxide. These particles have antiviral and antibacterial properties that destroy viruses and potentially save lives. This fabric is can potentially be used to manufacture masks on a large scale and to be distributed, once recieve all approved needed. Currently, Sonovia is getting closer to finalizing a prototype for a mask and is in contact with several medical labs in China and are waiting for results on whether their tech to eliminate viruses and bacterias is effective against the virus. Dr. Jason Migdal, from Sonovia, told CBN News that the approval process can take several weeks and the company is actively searching for manufacturers, investors, and partners who can help it bring this antiviral technology into the areas hit hardest by the coronavirus.
Another Israeli company called Argaman, an innovator from the fiber industry, is working on their masks called Bio- Block, that not only prevent small bacterias to pass through, but also destroys the pathogens that come in contact with it. These masks will be open for the market, in about 2 months for 50$ per mask. Moreover, the company intends that they will be available to purchase through Amazon, and will be available globally.
Additionally, last Thursday (27.2), the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Science and Technology announced that after four years of research at the Miguel Institute of Kiryat Eight developed a vaccine for the Corona Chicken (IBV) vaccine that has been successfully tested in preclinical trials and genetically modified for the vaccine against the Coronavirus. The start of the Human Research Research Development Phase will take 3 months according to the estimates, and the research is funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Meanwhile, globally many pharmaceutical companies and research institutions are busy in their efforts to develop a vaccine. Many efforts are motivated by huge donations, such as — The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation who announced it donated $100 million to fund research and treatment for the coronavirus. Hopefully, the Vaccine, will be developed as soon as possible. Meantime, Israel is working hard to help the world prevent the spread due to its advanced technology.
