Heparin Drug Probably Altered For Profit, U.S. Says

Wednesday, April 16, 2008; Page A02

Drug Probably Altered For Profit, U.S. Says


Federal regulators suspect that Baxter International's recalled blood thinner, heparin, was intentionally contaminated to increase profit, the head of the Food and Drug Administration said yesterday.

Baxter recalled most of its heparin products in February after reports of allergic reactions and deaths. An FDA investigation later uncovered a heparin-like substance in some batches of the drug's active ingredient, which is made in China.

Baxter and its ingredient supplier, Scientific Protein Laboratories, have said the contamination occurred before the raw heparin reached them.

FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach added that the FDA is not investigating the motive, but would leave that to Chinese officials.

Baxter still is investigating how and why the contaminant was introduced into raw heparin ingredients, company spokeswoman Erin Gardiner said Tuesday.
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