Omrix rises as FDA tries to restrict mad-cow disease

Omrix Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. (Nasdaq:OMRI) has risen to an all-time high after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed limits on bovine-derived materials in medical products in an effort to prevent the spread of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) (mad cow disease).

Leerink Swann & Co. analyst Junaid Husain said bovine-derived thrombin, enzymes that promote blood clotting, are not on the FDA�s list, but they could be added later. Omrix makes human-derived thrombin, which will not be affected by a possible ban on bovine-derived thrombin. Husain maintained Omrix's stock rating at "Outperform".

Omrix held its IPO in April. The share closed at $35.18 yesterday, after rising 5.17%.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on January 17, 2007

Omrix rises as FDA tries to restrict mad-cow disease

Omrix would not be affected by a possible ban on bovine-derived thrombin.