NORTHFIELD LABS INC

Northfield Laboratories Inc (NFLD.O) said U.S. regulators have granted a priority review for the company's experimental treatment for the loss of red blood cell, sending its shares to a new-year high. Shares of the company more than doubled to $1.21 in morning trade on Nasdaq. They closed at 56 cents Monday on Nasdaq. On Oct. 29, the company submitted a Biological License Agreement (BLA) for PolyHeme, its human hemoglobin-based red cell substitute. Under the priority review, which is granted to products that are considered to be more advanced over existing therapies, the Food and Drug Administration takes shorter time, usually six months from the date of submission of the application, to make its decision. The company expects for an FDA decision on the PolyHeme BLA by April 30, 2009.