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Matter that tainted Heparin identified

FDA finds it's an illegal version of chemical used to treat joint pain

March 20, 2008|By Jonathan D. Rockoff , Sun reporter

Scientific Protein Laboratories, which partly owned the Changzhou plant and sold the main ingredient used in the recalled Heparin products, said contamination occurred somewhere along its chain of Chinese suppliers. The Waunakee, Wis., company issued a press release saying its testing showed that the raw materials it received were tainted.

The company is recalling all of its Heparin ingredients made from materials provided by Chinese suppliers whose goods tested positive for the contaminant.

Baxter International Inc. of Deerfield, Ill., recalled most of its Heparin products last month, after some were linked to hundreds of reports of serious side effects, including quickening heartbeats, nausea and dizziness. Baxter issued its own statement that also attributed the contamination to Chinese suppliers.

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The recall has triggered a worldwide investigation and deepened concerns about the safety and quality of imports from China. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts called on the FDA to get from drug companies the names of their suppliers now that the contaminant has been identified.

jonathan.rockoff@baltsun.com

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