FDA identifies deadly heparin contaminant
Officials don't know how compound, which may have killed 19, got into drug
Related stories |
updated 11:44 a.m. ET March 19, 2008
WASHINGTON - U.S. health regulators have identified the contaminant found in Baxter International's blood thinner heparin, which may be to blame for 19 deaths.
The Food and Drug Administration says a chemical compound called oversulfated chondroitin sulfate has been found in samples of the drug tied to death and allergic reactions.
FDA staff say the chemical comes from a family similar to heparin, but that it is not approved in the U.S. or abroad as a medical treatment.
FDA drug center director Janet Woodcocks says the agency can't rule whether it was deliberately introduced into the product, but is 99 percent sure it's not a natural component.
Baxter is based in Deerfield, Ill.
Click for related content |
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
- Rate Story:
View popularLowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM HEALTH CARE |
| Add Health care headlines to your news reader: |
Sponsored links
Resource guide

