Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment in Israel — get 3 personalized clinic matches

Israel currently hosts advanced clinical trials for ALS, including the pivotal Phase 3 study of PrimeC and Phase 3b for NurOwn stem cell therapy. These trials target neuroinflammation and nerve regeneration at centers like Sourasky Medical Center and Hadassah Medical Center. Researchers also evaluate NG01 autologous stem cells and RNA-based gene therapies to slow disease progression.

• Phase 3 PrimeC: Oral combination drug targeting neuroinflammation, initiating pivotal trials in 2025.
• NurOwn cell therapy: Autologous stem cell treatment with local manufacturing at Sourasky Medical Center.
• NG01 stem cells: Long-term studies at Hadassah show 45% of participants exceeding 10-year survival.
• AstroRx therapy: Cell-based approach using healthy astrocytes to support damaged neurons.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows Israel is a primary site for mutation-specific trials, particularly for SOD1 and rare genetic variants. Specialized clinics like the one led by Prof. Dr. Viviean Drory at Sourasky Medical Center blend these experimental protocols with 30+ years of electrophysiology expertise. This integration often allows patients to access innovative drugs 6–12 months before they reach broader international markets.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that early genetic testing is vital because many Israeli trials now require specific biomarker matches. They also emphasize that the enrollment process can take over 6 months, making early registration with hospital databases essential.

Standard ALS care in Israel utilizes Riluzole and Edaravone to slow disease progression. Specialist centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) also offer Tofersen for patients with the SOD1 mutation. These medications are often combined with multidisciplinary symptomatic therapies to improve quality of life and respiratory function.

• Riluzole: First-line glutamate antagonist available in tablet or liquid form to extend survival.
• Edaravone: Antioxidant administered via intravenous infusion cycles to slow functional decline in patients.
• Tofersen: Target therapy for SOD1 genetic mutations delivered through specialized spinal injections.
• Symptomatic drugs: Muscle relaxants like Baclofen and Tizanidine manage painful spasms and spasticity.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data suggests that choosing high-volume centers like Sourasky Medical Center, which treats over 400,000 patients annually, provides better access to advanced protocols. Prof. Dr. Viviean Drory at this facility has over 35 years of experience in electrophysiological assessment. Such expertise is vital for the early diagnosis required to start Edaravone therapy effectively.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that while Riluzole is standard, the first month can involve side effects like nausea. Many emphasize requesting the Riluzole and Edaravone combination early to maximize stability.

Israel hosts premier multidisciplinary ALS centers at Sourasky Medical Center, Hadassah Medical Center, and Sheba Medical Center. These facilities utilize a one-stop-shop model. Patients access neurologists, respiratory therapists, and physical therapy in single visits. Leading specialists like Prof. Dr. Vivian Drory provide expert care.

• Sourasky Medical Center: Features a specialized Neuromuscular Department led by Prof. Dr. Vivian Drory.
• Hadassah Medical Center: Operates a dedicated ALS clinic known for advanced clinical trial access.
• Sheba Medical Center: Provides integrative care including neurological rehabilitation and specialized home monitoring.
• Rambam Medical Center: Offers a Neurology Day Hospitalization unit for consolidated neuromuscular medical services.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli ALS centers stand out because they integrate research directly into clinical care. For example, Hadassah Medical Center acts as a global leader in genetic research and stem cell trials. While Sourasky (Ichilov) remains a top choice for international patients due to its high ranking in Newsweek, its experts like Prof. Dr. Vivian Drory bring over 35 years of specialized experience. This combination of high-volume clinical practice and active scientific discovery often allows patients to access experimental protocols earlier than in many other regions.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that these centers provide remarkably fast access to specialized teams including pulmonologists and nutritionists. Many value the integrated speech therapy and ventilator support at Ichilov for significantly improving daily quality of life.

International patients can enroll in Israeli ALS clinical trials subject to Ministry of Health approval and specific study quotas. Participation often requires self-funding for experimental treatments. Prominent centers like Hadassah Medical Center and Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) frequently host global trials for stem cell and gene therapies.

• Regulatory oversight: The Israeli Ministry of Health manages foreign national enrollment via specific trial approvals.
• Potential costs: Experimental therapies for international participants may require significant private funding or subsidies.
• Leading institutions: Hadassah Medical Center conducts major studies on NG01 and AstroRx therapies.
• Specialized expertise: Prof. Viviean Drory at Ichilov specializes in ALS genetic research and drug therapy.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from major Israeli facilities shows a high concentration of ALS research in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. While Ichilov serves over 400,000 patients annually, its specialized neuromuscular department often prioritizes patients based on progression rates. Patients should look for trials with expanded access labels. These typically offer more flexibility for those traveling from outside the European Union or North America.

Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the need to budget for significant travel and lodging costs during long-term trials. Many recommend prioritizing centers that provide English-language consent forms to avoid extra translation hurdles during the screening process.

Israel is a global hub for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) research. Leading hubs like Hadassah Medical Center and Sourasky Medical Center offer advanced cell therapies. Key treatments include autologous NG01 infusions and the NurOwn platform. These therapies aim to slow disease progression and extend survival.

• NG01 therapy: Uses patients' own bone marrow cells. This treatment reported a 7.2-year median survival.
• AstroRx technology: Off-the-shelf astrocytes support motor neurons. Single doses have paused disease progression.
• NurOwn platform: Re-engineered stem cells secrete neurotrophic factors. These factors protect nerves and reduce inflammation.
• Clinical specialists: Experts like Prof. Viviean Drory at Sourasky specialise in ALS palliative care.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli oncology and neurology centres, such as JCI-accredited Sourasky Medical Center, serve over 400,000 patients annually. While clinical trials often have strict entry criteria, the density of university-affiliated research centres in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem creates one of the highest volumes of experimental ALS access points globally. Patients should confirm if a doctor specialises in clinical neurophysiology to ensure the most accurate disease monitoring.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israel is a significant biomedical hub, although stem cell treatments are considered experimental. They emphasise checking eligibility early and requesting specific cell data in writing before travel.

Israel offers targeted gene therapies for specific genetic forms of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), including the first commercially approved RNA-targeted treatments. Leading university centres in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem provide advanced genetic testing to identify mutations like SOD1. These facilities also run clinical trials for next-generation therapies.

• Tofersen therapy: Targeted treatment available for the SOD1 mutation to suppress toxic protein production.
• Genetic screening: Specialists use diagnostic testing to confirm pathogenic variants before starting targeted interventions.
• RNA-based trials: Research focuses on halting nerve cell degeneration through microRNA-126 and similar pathways.
• Advanced neurology: Experts like Professor Viviean Drory specialise in neurophysiology and clinical management of ALS.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli medical centres often integrate multi-stage biological treatments. For example, Sourasky Medical Center offers stem cell therapy packages starting from A$8,750. These packages often include blood work and follow-up care. This allows patients to combine supportive biological therapies with targeted genetic diagnostic protocols at a single high-volume facility.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that genetic confirmation is essential before travelling to Israel. They emphasize that while some treatments are approved, many others are only available via clinical trials. Families value the detailed advice from competent doctors in Tel Aviv who handle complex neurological cases.

Standard disease-modifying medications for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Israel include Riluzole and Edaravone. Specialists prescribe these through the national health basket (Sal HaBriut). Israeli neurologists focus on early administration. JCI-accredited centres like Sourasky Medical Center provide these within comprehensive neuro-palliative care frameworks.

• Riluzole protocol: Core standard medication usually offered to patients immediately following diagnosis.
• Edaravone availability: Prescribed on a case-by-case basis depending on specific clinical criteria.
• Clinical neurophysiology: Experts like Prof. Viviean Drory use electromyography to monitor treatment response.
• Integrated support: Clinics bundle medications with symptom management for spasticity and saliva control.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurology units treat an immense volume of patients, with Hadassah Medical Center serving approximately 1,000,000 people annually. This high-volume environment allows specialists to identify which patients respond best to Edaravone versus Riluzole. Patients should confirm if their prescribed medication plan includes on-site electrophysiology monitoring. This ensures the dosage remains effective as the condition evolves.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that Riluzole is the standard starting point in Israel. They emphasize that while disease-modifying drugs are vital, additional prescriptions for cramps and sleep significantly improve daily life.

Israel manages ALS through integrated multidisciplinary hubs where neurologists, pulmonologists, and therapists coordinate care in a single visit. This one-stop shop model ensures immediate access to respiratory support, nutritional management, and speech technology. Leading facilities like Sourasky Medical Center and Hadassah Medical Center prioritise patient autonomy and comfort.

• Integrated clinics: Teams evaluate patients in one day to streamline complex specialist coordination.
• Respiratory support: Specialists initiate non-invasive ventilation early to manage nighttime fatigue and breathing.
• Nutritional care: Gastroenterologists offer feeding tubes early to maintain weight and prevent choking.
• Symptom medication: Doctors prescribe targeted drugs for muscle cramps, spasticity, and excessive saliva.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neuromuscular centres excel in high-volume care, with Sourasky Medical Center alone serving over 400,000 patients annually. Our data shows that top specialists like Dr Viviean Drory combine clinical neurophysiology with advanced electromyography. This technical depth allows for more precise symptom tracking than general clinics typical in other regions.

Patient Consensus: Patients in Israel highlight the importance of setting up eye-gaze communication devices early. They note that practical planning for home equipment and pressure care is vital before returning home to Australia.

Israel's leading ALS neurologists include Prof. Vivian Drory at Sourasky Medical Center and Prof. Dimitrios Karussis at Hadassah Medical Center. These specialists lead neuromuscular units, focusing on advanced electromyography and stem cell trials. Major Israeli centres provide multidisciplinary care for managing neurodegenerative symptoms.

• Prof. Vivian Drory: Directs the Neuromuscular Diseases Unit at Sourasky, specialising in clinical neurophysiology.
• Prof. Dimitrios Karussis: Leads neuroimmunology at Hadassah, known for clinical trials using adult stem cells.
• Dr. Amir Dori: Heads the Neuromuscular Disorders Department at Sheba Medical Center, researching protein accumulation.
• Dr. Eduard Linecki: Serves as a senior neurologist at Hadassah with over 20 years of experience.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurology units like Ichilov and Hadassah manage massive patient volumes, often seeing 1,000,000 cases annually. This scale allows specialists to focus strictly on motor neuron diseases rather than general neurology. Professor Vivian Drory, for instance, maintains specific memberships in international research alliances for ALS, ensuring patients access global-standard palliative and drug therapies.

Patient Consensus: Patients find that choosing hospitals with integrated physiotherapy and respiratory support prevents delays. They appreciate the detailed advice from competent doctors in Tel Aviv and note that English-speaking staff simplify complex medical discussions in Israel.

Diagnostic evaluation in Israel for international ALS patients involves a multi-stage review to confirm the diagnosis and assess current function. Clinical specialists use electrophysiology and electromyography (EMG) to measure muscle and nerve electrical activity. Multi-disciplinary teams at JCI-accredited centres then design personalised drug or stem cell therapy plans.

• Record review: Specialists evaluate home-country MRI, EMG, and blood tests before patients travel.
• Neurological assessment: Doctors perform repeat examinations to track symptoms and disease progression carefully.
• Electrophysiology testing: Clinics use advanced clinical neurophysiology to confirm nerve damage patterns accurately.
• Treatment synthesis: Teams include neurologists and rehabilitation specialists to map out therapeutic roadmaps.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurology units maintain high precision by requiring fresh EMG tests using their on-site equipment. Experts like Dr Viviean Drory at Sourasky Medical Center specialise specifically in ALS neurophysiology. Our data shows patients benefit most when they provide a documented timeline of symptom progression, as this helps specialists distinguish ALS from similar neuromuscular disorders early.

Patient Consensus: Patients in Israel note that evaluations involve a fresh neurological assessment rather than just accepting prior results. They suggest bringing complete records and planning for a multi-day process as results feed directly into treatment planning.

Israeli researchers recently identified an RNA-based gene therapy that stopped and reserved nerve cell degeneration in ALS models. This discovery targets microRNA-126 to prevent toxic protein buildup. Additionally, long-term data on Hadassah Medical Center stem cell therapy shows a 7.2-year median survival rate.

• Molecular mechanism: Researchers found microRNA-126 transfer failure causes toxic protein clumps in motor neurons.
• Nerve regeneration: Engineered microRNA-126 successfully neutralized toxins and triggered new nerve cell growth.
• Survival data: Hadassah Medical Center reported 45% of patients survived over 10 years post-diagnosis.
• Clinical trials: This programmable neuroprotection method is moving toward human trials for several diseases.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurology excels because leading specialists combine clinical practice with high-level research. Dr Viviean Drory at Sourasky Medical Center is a specialist in clinical neurophysiology and electromyography. Her involvement in international research alliances ensures patients access diagnostic techniques that align with the latest scientific breakthroughs before they become global standards.

Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the need to distinguish between exciting laboratory research news and treatments currently available in clinics. They recommend checking for active clinical trial listings in Israel to verify if a new therapy is accessible for international cases.