Philip Zisman, Cell-El Immunologist
Cell-El Ltd. is blessed to have an experienced and capable team of professionals who are working together to achieve our research goals. We would like to introduce you to Dr. Philip David Zisman, PhD., our Immunologist and Laboratory Director for the past 6 years. Dr. Zisman has over fifteen years of experience in the fields of biotechnology, biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, and bioassays. He is responsible for laboratory expertise, assay development and international collaboration for lab related issues. Dr. Zisman holds a PhD in Microbiology from the Lautenberg Center for Immunology, Hebrew University Jerusalem (2005).Leah Hochbaum, Cell-El’s Recruitment Coordinator interviewed Dr. Zisman to gain insight into his unique perspective:
“What do you think is special about the research Cell-El Ltd. is performing?”
“Since we examined 1000 biomarkers in as many as 200 children, we have a unique platform for developing an assay. Cell-El’s large number of subjects and biomarkers is an innovation in the field. Previous Autism studies only examined a small number of markers within small cohorts of children. Autism is a spectrum condition, with a widely heterogeneous population. I believe that only the combination of several different biomarkers can enable us to develop an objective laboratory tool that will distinguish between neuro typically-developing individuals and those who present with ASD.
It is important to understand that while Cell-El’s planned diagnostic tool may not be 100% accurate, it will help physicians make an early diagnosis in many cases. This will enable creating and implementing a successful treatment strategy at a much earlier stage of development.”
What do you think are some of the biggest challenges to the research?
“As the lab director, I am aware of the challenges we are facing in collecting samples for the research. It is totally altruistic. We are performing blood tests on children with ASD which can be especially challenging. I truly admire those families who contribute to the research for the sake of all children with ASD. Hopefully, one day soon, doctors will use our diagnostic tool to treat Autism and the participants will personally benefit from having volunteered in the study.
What do you find most interesting about the research?
What I find very interesting and look forward to is Cell-El exploring the connection between the diagnostic tool and treatment. We may find that the same biomarkers examined with the diagnostic tool change subsequent to treatment and in parallel with behavioral changes. Knowing this will give us more information about both the value of the diagnostic tool and how to predict possible success from treatment.
Help Us Help You
You too can join our team and help us in making a difference in the lives of children with ASD and their families! For the Cell-El study, we are recruiting infants aged 10-18 months not diagnosed with ASD but with a sibling diagnosed with ASD and their mothers. Parents please help spread the word to others and thus enable this important tool to be integrated into Autism treatment as quickly as possible. Additionally, if your child is diagnosed with ASD and between the ages of 2-12 years old and you are planning to take them privately to a clinic offering Stem Cell treatment for ASD, please contact Leah at [email protected] or fill out the form to find out about eligibility to participate in our diagnostic study.