Founder of American Cryoparm, Dr. Sharon Shaham, talks about getting the drug used for the virus • “The Israeli Spirit Helped Us” • The Full Interview on Saturday

• Dr. Sharon Shaham

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  Rick Friedman / Polaris; Professional consulting and design Photo: Eyal Hirsch

A blood cancer drug is at the center of a trial for severe corona patients, currently being conducted in 32 hospitals in 7 countries, including Israel, the United States and several European countries. The drug, "Slinxor", was developed by the US cryoparmac, Founded by Israeli scientist Dr. Sharon Shaham. 

In an exclusive interview to be published tomorrow in the "Shabbat" supplement, Shaham (49) talks about the development and adaptation of the drug to the Covid-19 virus, in which the experimental treatment is given to patients in Hadassah, Shiba, Soroka and Sharon hospitals. 

Shaham, a native of Ra'anana, graduated with a Ph.D. in computational biophysics at TAU. About 17 years ago, she moved to Massachusetts, and in 2008 established "CryoPharm" with her partner, Dr. Michael Kaufman, a specialist in rheumatology. 

Corona Questions and Answers // Photo: Ministry of Health

Cryoparm has been operating outside of North America, Europe, Asia and Australia over the years, "and always in Israel," says Shacham, "because clinical studies outside North America are preferable to conduct in the field, near hospitals and similar time zones, pharma companies like us are setting up an operating system in cities We have decided that our system will be in Tel Aviv, and about three years ago we established CryoPharm Israel. "

According to her, "This is not only because of Zionism, but also because the doctors in Israel are excellent, and the research infrastructure is excellent. I hope that we will find more great pharma companies how smart it is to work in Israel. At times of crisis or pressure, such as the one we experienced prior to the experiment, you feel the significance of the Israeli spirit in society. " 

The drug "Slinxor" was approved 10 months ago by the FDA for the treatment of multiple myeloma blood cancers, and is currently being used to lower the dose of corona experimental. 

The drug activity causes a certain protein inhibition in the cell. "The cancer cell and the virus need this protein to replicate, and so it takes over the body," explains Shaham. "The inhibition of the protein is the anticancer and anti-viral action."

Israel was the first non-U.S. State to approve slinksxor for multiple myeloma patients, and will be submitted to the upcoming basket committee. .