That’s the implication in an interesting piece from CNNMoney, which details a couple of forthcoming drugs that, if approved, will look to end the dominant position held by King Pharmaceuticals in the thrombin market.

Thrombin is a drug used to slow bleeding during surgery, but its derived from cows. But since the body can reject such foreign substances, newer medications from ZymoGenetics and Omrix may have an advantage.

“Until now, a lot of people who use King’s thrombin product were not aware that it was bovine-derived, but you can bet ZymoGenetics will be including that in their advertising campaign,” said Ian Sanderson, analyst for Cowen & Co.

If this weren’t so serious a topic, one is tempted to say a blood bath may get under way.

[tags]Coagulants, King Pharmaceuticals, Omrix, Thrombin, ZymoGenetics[/tags]