last year demonstrated an average 80 percent reduction in pain symptoms. That’ s double the rate for implanted devices and far more than a couple of Tylenol can achieve. “We compete mainly against the strongest painkillers, ” says Neurolief CEO Shany. “We are not targeting patients whose symptoms are alleviated with Advil, but those who require drugs frequently. ” The Neurolief device is meant to be used only during a migraine attack. Since it can fold up to the size of a sunglasses case, it’ s small enough to carry in a purse or backpack. Dar and Shany are not newcomers to the field of neuro-modulation. The two started and sold NESS- Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Systems, a company that builds neuro- modulation products to help stroke survivors move paralyzed arms and legs. After NESS’ new owners moved most of the company’ s operations to California, Dar and Shany were free to develop their own non-competing neuro-modulation device. NESS fetched a price of $75 million in 2007. Netanya-based Neurolief is still at the beginning of its journey and has so far raised $5 million since it was established in 2013. The financing was led by Terra Venture Partners. Neurolief has developed a novel pricing model. Instead of purchasing the device for a one-time fee, patients will buy it “pre-loaded” with a certain number of treatments (10 to start). “It’ s like buying a blister pack of medications, ” says Eran Schenker, vice president of business development and marketing. If the device works, a user can “turn on” more neuro-modulation doses remotely via the Internet. “It won’ t cost more than the pills you already get, ” Schenker says. But don’ t head to the local pharmacy just yet. Neurolief’ s product will not be available until sometime next year. There are still a few trials to complete, including a study with 56 patients now ongoing. The company hopes to apply for a European Union CE mark by the end of 2018, with application to the FDA for approval in the U.S. to follow. NEXT: DEPRESSION Neurolief started by targeting migraines because the clinical evidence from implanted devices has already demonstrated that neuro- modulation works. But the same neuro-modulation techniques can be used for other indications. Next on Neurolief’ s list is depression. Dar reports “remarkable results” from a clinical trial at a mental hospital in Israel. Neurolief’ s anti- depression model could come as early as 2020. There are other companies working on brain stimulation to treat depression, mostly using magnets. “But these are large machines that can only be used in a clinic, ” Dar says. “We wanted something that could be used at home, that allows for self-treatment. “ At the end of the day, ” he says, “we will have a solution for multi- indications, although each needs its own regulatory approval and may need a different device. ” ■ January 31 • 2018 41 jn Shmuel Shany Thanks to a generous grant from the Detroit Medical Center Foundation, JScreen will raise awareness about genetic carrier screening in the Detroit community and will provide screening and educational resources. “This grant will give us the nec- essary resources to get out into the community to increase awareness about genetic carrier screening and preventable genetic diseases,” said Karen Arnovitz Grinzaid, executive director of the JScreen program. “We are excited to partner with young professional groups and synagogues, and to have a presence at large-scale community events.” Organizations that are already plan- ning events or are working on final- izing information based on this grant include The Well, Temple Israel, Adat Shalom and Grand Rounds at Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center. The University of Michigan Hillel has an event scheduled for Feb. 12, and Temple Beth El has one scheduled for April 28. JScreen and partner organizations will share more information about genetic screening events as dates and locations are finalized. ■ Genetic Carrier Screening IChoseHeartland.com Marvi n & Betty Dant o Heal th Care Center 6800 West Mapl e Road West Bl oomfiel d, MI 48322 248.788.5300 29829 Telegraph Road, Suite 111 | 248.357.3100 | www.drnemeth.com Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS & Amar Katranji, DDS, MS Dr. Joseph R. Nemeth Nothing you wear is more important than your smile.