4.11.2008 9:13 AM

Heparin Now Blamed for 62 Deaths

Was a Suspect Chinese Ingredient the Cause?

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The chemical structure of heparin. A very similar chemical substitute apparently led to 19 deadly allergic reactions.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

By Dan Shapley

Bad heparin may have killed 62 people, based on the latest Food and Drug Administration tally, according to the New York Times.

That's a greater-than three-fold increase from the last tally of deadly allergic reactions, 19.

A suspect ingredient, which so closely resembles the heparin active ingredient, is believed to be at the root of the deaths. It was made in China, and that supply has since been cut off, and the drug recalled by its manufacturer, Baxter International.

While the investigation continues, it seems likely that the suspect ingredient was substituted because it was cheaper, a phenomenon that has led to tainted products of all stripes being recalled in the past year or so.

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