Presentation 64,65

Presentation 64
Disease Specific Anti-CD44 Monoclonal Antibody For Treatment Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Dr.Itshak Golan
MaimoniDex RA Ltd

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Overview: The CD44 molecule and its splice variants provide new opportunities for the discovery of specific therapies for cancer and inflammatory diseases. MaimoniDex RA's proprietary monoclonal antibodies aim at eradicating or markedly reducing the destructive inflammatory activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis. These antibodies specifically target a CD44 splice variant, unique to inflammatory synovial cells expressed in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients, but leave cells engaged in normal biological and immunological functions undamaged.


A successful accomplishment of this project should provide the first specific drug for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Technology: Unusual alternative CD44 mRNA splicing in inflammatory synovial fluid cells of RA patients leads to the production of a modified disease-specific protein designated CD44vRA. This disease-specific protein can therapeutically be targeted by monoclonal antibodies, resulting in selective destruction of the joints infiltrating cells. The company has developing monoclonal antibodies that specifically target this modified CD44 protein without effecting cells engaged in normal function and express normal form of CD44. Status of development:


The company has developed CD44vRA-specific monoclonalantibodies that selectively recognize their target on synovial fluid cells from RA patients. These antibodies have shown specific biological activity in in vitro assays.

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Presentation 65
New Types of Polymer and Hybrid Nanocomposites
Prof.Oleg L.Figovsky, Dr.Leonid Shapovalov, Dr.Nelly Blank
Israel Research Center Polymate Ltd.

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Nanocomposites based on interpenetrated polymer network, such as nonisocyanate polyurethanes, epoxies and acrylate were prepared by way of creating nanoparticles of Si02, Ti02 and other metal oxides during a technological stage from a liquid phase. Using as interpenetrating polymer networks principle in production of composite materials provides a unique possibility to regulate their both micro-and nano-structured properties. AS a main component of such technology we are using branched (dendro)-aminosilanes that at the first stage are curing agents for many oligomers. Additional hydrolysis of aminosilane oligomers creates the secondary nano-structured network polymer that improves service properties of the compound.


Nanocomposites based on hybrid organo-silicate matrix were elaborated by using a principle of forming nanostructure by creating nanoparticles during a technological process from a liquid phase. Significant increasing of silicate matrix strength and toughness was reached by incorporation of special liquid additives, such as TFS, which effect as a microcrystallizing nucleator on the technological stage and later they colmatage the pores of silicate matrix as a result forming a furan polymeric secondary phase.


Our last elaborations are mainly applying a novel type of soluble silicate contained organic cations, for example, the DABCO - based organic alkali soluble silicate. High chemically resistant polymer materials were elaborated with applying nano-size inorganic active nano-fillers that react with aggressive medium into which they are introduced, forming a new phase of high-strength hydrate complexes. This enhanced bondin.

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