The database includes the collection and storage of biological samples, demographic information as well as clinical and laboratory data from patients who have SARS-CoV-2 virus (the virus strain that causes coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19) and a control group.
The registry and the samples (Biobank) enable researchers to characterize the disease, identify risk factors for complications, ascertain novel diagnostic methods, develop vaccines and explore new treatments.
Prof. Ofer Merin, our Director General said, “Shaare Zedek is one of the leading and most experienced medical centers in the country in treating coronavirus patients. We see great importance in establishing this research database to lead and advance studies that will help us and people all around the world to cope with and eradicate the coronavirus.”
Deputy Director for Research and Development, Prof. Dan Turner shared, “This vast research database will serve as the basis for research focused on this virus and will dramatically assist the development of vaccines and drugs to curb the coronavirus. We have thousands of samples from hundreds of patients and every day hundreds of new samples are collected.”