The chief scientist's research committee approved projects in the field of life sciences amounting to NIS 120 million 

Good news for Israeli biotechnology companies ahead of the Biomed conference. Among other things, the research committee approved a grant of NIS 15.6 million to the company Protelix, the company Protelix develops advanced genetic engineering technology in plant cell cultures, which is carried out by inserting a human gene into the plant cells and turning them into a protein production mechanism that serves as a basis for medicines

The Chief Scientist at the Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr. Eli Ofer, continues the research committee debate marathon for 2010. During this period, applications from companies with large volumes (over 30 million NIS requested budget) and medium (from 10 million NIS to 30 million NIS budget) come up for discussion in demand).

In one of the marathon discussions, the research committee headed by the chief scientist at TMT, Dr. Eli Ofer, approved 38 requests to support new R&D programs of companies in the fields of biotechnology, chemistry and pharmaceuticals with a total investment of NIS 120 million. The scientist's grants for these projects amounted to NIS 49.6 million.

In the field of biotechnology, the committee approved 17 projects with a budget of 67.8 million NIS, while the state grants for these projects amounted to 30.8 million NIS.

In the field of pharmaceuticals, the committee approved 18 projects with a budget of NIS 44.4 million, where the state grant for this project amounted to NIS 15.4 million.

In the field of chemistry, the committee approved 3 projects with a budget of 7.8 million NIS, while the state grant for this project amounted to 3.5 million NIS.

One of the companies whose plans were approved at this committee meeting - Protlix Ltd.
The research committee approved R&D grants totaling approximately NIS 15.6 million. The Protlix company develops advanced genetic engineering technology in plant cell cultures, which is carried out by inserting a human gene into the plant cells and turning them into a protein production mechanism used as a basis for medicines. The company has developed an innovative technology of recombinant protein expression in plant cell suspension. The company's most advanced product is a drug for the treatment of Gaucher's disease. The main clinical trial under FDA regulation has been successfully completed, and the application for drug approval is under review by the FDA. In addition, a program was approved for the development of an enzymatic drug to treat nerve gas poisoning that is in the first clinical trial phase. A number of other programs that are in the experimental stage in animals were also approved, including the development of a drug for Fabry disease and arthritis. The success of the clinical trial in Gaucher patients proved the technological feasibility of the company and will allow the continued development of additional products using this technology.

The chief scientist, Dr. Eli Ofer, points out that the field of life sciences led by Dr. Ora Dar, and the biotechnology sector in particular, has extraordinary potential. The field of biotechnology was recognized as a preferred field by the research committee. The preference of this field is expressed by providing a maximum support rate of 50% for an approved program (and not differential as is given in other fields and varies between 20% and 50%). At the same time, the examination of the projects is done within the accepted criteria, i.e. the basis of the decision is based on the quality of the project and emphasis is given to the criterion of innovation in each project. Dr. Eli Ofer added that recognition of preferred fields is another tool available to the chief scientist as a response to the needs of the economy.

Ofer also noted that the field of life sciences is one of the dominant fields in the Office of the Chief Scientist: in 2009, the total R&D grants given to companies in the field of life sciences reached 28.4% of the total grants of the Chief Scientist (compared to 14.3% in 2000).