teaser
The source of contaminants found in a German version of heparin has been narrowed down to one possible Chinese supplier, manufacturer RotexMedica GmbH has revealed.
The German-based group, which is part of France’s Groupe Panpharma, recalled three batches of the blood-thinning drug last week after 80 dialysis patients reported experiencing side-effects after taking it.
RotexMedica said that its probe has now narrowed down the source of contamination to one possible supplier from China, although it did not identify the company.
In a statement, the company said: “Further investigation is still necessary to confirm this finding.”
While there have been no reported deaths in Germany, a different brand of heparin produced in the US has been linked to 19 fatalities in the country, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
RotexMedica said it was working with German authorities, the FDA, and German and international heparin suppliers as part of a large study of the drug.
“As soon as there are more findings, RotexMedica will further inform the public,” the company said.
Copyright © PA Business 2008
