Prof. Merav Lidar, MD, MSc is a senior rheumatologist and Director of the Center for Autoimmune Diseases and the Department of Rheumatology at Sheba Medical Center.
She is a global pioneer in applying CAR-T cell therapy to treat severe autoimmune diseases, including lupus, vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and rare genetic inflammatory syndromes.
Since 2020, Prof. Lidar has led Sheba’s clinical and research program for CAR-T in autoimmune conditions, offering new hope to patients who have failed all conventional treatments.
In 2025, she co-authored a groundbreaking study demonstrating the safety and efficacy of CD19-directed CAR-T therapy for refractory rheumatoid arthritis, positioning Sheba among the first centers globally to report successful use of CAR-T in autoimmune patients.
Prof. Lidar Presents on CAR-T Therapy for Rheumatologic Diseases
Prof. Lidar earned her medical degree and MSc from Tel Aviv University, where she now serves as a faculty member. She also chairs the National Rheumatology Residency Committee and is a member of the Israel Society of Rheumatology and the American College of Rheumatology. In addition to her clinical leadership, she has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and serves as principal investigator in multiple clinical trials exploring novel biologic and genetic therapies.
Prof. Lidar Presents on CAR-T Therapy for Rheumatologic Diseases
At Israeli Hospitals Ltd., we assist patients in accessing CAR-T therapy for autoimmune diseases in Israel. We handle the process from start to finish, including eligibility review, and providing full logistical support during their stay.
If you are searching for advanced treatment options for a complex autoimmune disease, Prof. Merav Lidar is one of the world’s leading experts.
Prof. Lidar Presents on CAR-T Therapy for Rheumatologic Diseases
Conditions Currently Treated with CAR-T in Israel:
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - Lupus (SLE)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma)
- Sjögren’s Syndrome
- Vasculitis (ANCA-associated)
- Dermatomyositis
With Prof. Merav Lidar after completing CAR-T therapy (2026). Read more CAR-T patients testimonials >>
I am an American Lupus patient with SLE, autoimmune myelofibrosis, Reynaud's disease, and pulmonary hypertension, who unfortunately did not qualify for CAR-T in the United States. It is currently not government approved in the U.S. except through medical trials, which I did not qualify for.
My brother, was able to find Tanya Preminger online, who works with the Sheba Hospital in Israel, as a third party representative, to help international patients like myself receive the CAR-T therapy in Israel. She acted as a liaison with the hospital and myself and acted as an interpreter as well.
She was quick to respond with questions and when we arrived in Israel, she helped guide us through the hospital and assisted us with transportation. In her spare time, she also showed us around Israel, which was not in her job description but out of kindness. When I celebrated my birthday in Israel, she treated us to a nice meal. She protected us during our extended stay there until the treatment was completed. In addition, Tanya helped fight for us to get the appointments and things we needed to make our stay as comfortable as possible. We would not have been able to survive without Tanya's help and attention to detail. Having not any knowledge of the Israeli culture or the language, we would have been lost. Tanya was more than a business consultant, but also became a friend and family member to us.
We are so grateful for Tanya and all that she did for us. She did not have to be there for us 24 hours a day, but she was. She even taught us how to survive the siren warnings during the war and where to go for protection.
I strongly recommend any patient coming to Sheba Hospital or Israel to use Tanya as your main point of contact. You will be safe and comfortable with her at your side.
