Life Sciences and Biotechnology companies were well represented at the VITAL Summit in Roanoke.  The companies presented interesting technologies ranging from dentistry advancement tools to organic “coating” products that increase produce life.  Attendees were very impressed with the level of innovation coming out of Israel.
 
"In talking to the companies, I am impressed in how far Israeli companies have come in recognizing that great science is not enough, but that they need to project science into real products that can be profitably manufactured, developed and marketed on a global basis,” said Gary Gamerman, President, Seraphim Life Sciences Consulting LLC.  Seraphim, with office in Virginia and the United Kingdom, provides consulting, business development and due diligence for life science companies and investors in the US and worldwide.

"A common theme for both the companies and their products is deep appreciation for product cost-effectiveness, FDA requirements and burn rate management,” said Gamerman.
 
Gamerman offered his insight into the following companies who presented at the conference:
 
Biosensor System Design:  BSD has taken a unique approach to a multibillion-dollar market, which grew from the unique combination of Israeli strengths in biotechnology and physics.  The company’s technology allows for a dramatic leap in the speed in detecting the presence of analytic targets, such as pathogens in the air, food and water, as well as medical testing. Its novel use based electrostatic interaction eliminates the need for a detection agent and sensor, allowing for more rapid, sensitive and less expensive assay.  This technology could find important uses in medical, laboratory, food and environmental, as well as homeland defense.
 
Densys:  Densys has applied Israeli expertise in computer graphics and imaging to the difficult problem of constructing dental models, such as those used to build implants.   The application and devices allow dentists to directly capture and produce accurate 3-D renderings of the mouth and implant sites that can be used in automated CAD/CAM manufacture of implants and prosthesis.  This approach would replace the current method, using wax and paper bite molds--which were developed over 100 years ago.

Veinomed:  Veinomed has developed an inexpensive solution to the age-old problem of helping medical personnel find veins to use for blood drawing and injection.  This product could be ready for introduction by the end of next year, would save pain and trauma for millions of patients with small, hard to find veins.

M.M.A. Tech:  M.M.A. Tech, drawing on Israeli expertise in polymer technology used in high-performance fighter jets, and US orthopedic expertise, has developed a major advance in joint prosthesis materials.  M.M.A. Tech has demonstrated that its MP-1 polymer has dramatically improved wear properties compared to existing materials.  This is a critical benefit in an aging, active population that is getting more implants at younger ages and keeping them longer.  It would solve a major problem in the multi-billion dollar joint replacement/repair industry.

Miras Imaging Solutions:  Miras also draws on Israeli practicality and expertise in imaging and optics to develop a dental mirror for the 21st century, augmenting the centuries old handheld with a micro camera and lighting system.  This approach applies highly advanced technology in a simple platform that
greatly enhances the skills of the dentist.

BioCoat:  BioCoat has developed one of the first fully "organic" coatings for the multibillion-dollar organic fruit and vegetable market-the faster growing segment in the industry.  Based on well-regarded Israeli expertise with natural waxes, dating to the biblical era, BioCoat technology would allow for rapid expansion and globalization of the organic food industry by proving an "organic compatible" means for long international shipments.

MBE Simulations:  MBE Simulations tools provide an incredibly powerful means for training managers in operations, manufacturing and other disciplines.  These would have special applications in the life sciences industry where there are few useful training tools despite the amplified criticality of high-quality decision-making.