Ethics Newsline®

“FDA’s working hypothesis is that this was intentional contamination, but this is not yet proven.”

Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the drug center at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in written testimony provided last week to the House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. The House committee is investigating allegations that a Chinese company deliberately adulterated a crucial blood thinner, heparin, with massive amounts of a substandard but cheap chemical in order to save costs. The contaminated end product, distributed by Baxter International, has caused 81 deaths, reports the New York Times. Chinese officials have disputed the FDA’s contention, notes the paper.

Source: New York Times, Apr. 30.

For more information, see: Related Newsline story, Apr. 21 — Related Newsline Commentary, Aug. 20, 2007 — Related Newsline story, July 16, 2007.