Dr. Hofit Cohen of Sheba Medica Center in Ramat Gan played a major part in an international clinical trial that included nine medical centers across Israel to test a new drug called Olezarsen that cuts triglyceride (blood fats) levels by more than half and can even be used to treat life-threatening pancreatitis. Ynet reports that the successful findings have been published this month in the New England Journal of Medicine and shown at the American Heart Association’s annual conference in New Orleans.
Pancreatitis, the swelling and inflammation of the pancreas, is caused by fatty acids that are produced during the breakdown of triglycerides within the bloodstream. This damages cells that create digestive enzymes that help us process carbohydrates and proteins, which are needed to stay healthy. Severe and untreated cases of pancreatitis can be fatal as they can cause organ death as well as infections.
Dr. Cohen, director of the Lipid Disorders Diagnosis and Treatment Service at Sheba’s Strasburger Lipid Center, described the impact on one patient, a 50-year-old real estate appraiser who had suffered six pancreatitis episodes in recent years. Despite strict dieting, lifestyle changes and maximal drug therapy, he required frequent hospitalizations, including in intensive care. Under the study treatment, she said, his triglyceride levels returned to normal and he has not needed emergency care since.
“This is a genuine breakthrough,” Cohen said. “Until now, there was no effective treatment for patients with extremely high triglyceride levels and recurrent pancreatitis. The study showed a significant drop in triglycerides and a dramatic reduction in pancreatitis risk. This is a therapy that changes the course of these patients’ lives.”
The Olezarsen trial included 1,061 participants from 23 different countries and 131 medical centers abroad. Israel is the only country in the Middle East where a woman is able to lead such a massive effort in medicine and innovation. Countries like Iran that employ morality police to oppress and keep women out of spaces where they can do good may never know the differences one woman can make. Thanks to Cohen’s efforts, new care and treatment can be provided to people that need it most.