OMRIX ENTERS INTO DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH NIH

Omrix Biopharmaceuticals announced that it has signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the NIH, whereby the parties will perform collaborative research to develop new antibody-based therapeutics for the treatment of avian influenza.

The collaborative research will combine NIAID's scientific and clinical expertise in influenza and vaccines with Omrix's proprietary manufacturing and expertise in development of antibody-based therapeutics, according to the company.

"The signing of the CRADA represents an important opportunity for Omrix to leverage its expertise in the rapid development and deployment of antibody-based immunotherapies that address emerging viral threats," said Robert Taub, president and CEO. "NIAID has the primary responsibility within the Department of Health and Human Services to undertake preclinical and clinical research aimed at building a robust preparedness for and response to pandemic influenza. This collaboration brings together the relative strength, expertise, and ability of Omrix and NIAID to jointly address and develop important treatment options for avian influenza, a present and growing public health concern."

In addition to the avian influenza collaboration, Omrix is working with NIAID on the clinical development of an immunotherapy product for the treatment of infection with the West Nile virus and has received grant funding for the development of a second generation high-titer vaccinia immunoglobulin product.