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May 17, 2008 12:57:51 AM CDT

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Heparin Victims Testify on Hill  

Posted Apr 29, 08 4:30 PM CDT in US,  Politics,  Science & Health,  Business    Most Covered

(newser) – Relatives of some of the 81 Americans whose deaths have been linked to tainted heparin told a Congressional subcommittee about their experiences today, Reuters reports. An Ohio man wept as he told lawmakers his wife and son, who had a genetic kidney disease, died within a month after being given heparin while undergoing dialysis. "I want to know if my daughter and the millions of others who continue to receive dialysis are safe," said Leroy Hubley.

The CEO of the drug's manufacturer, Baxter International, testified that the heparin contamination seemed purposeful: "We're alarmed that one of our products was used, in what appears to have been a deliberate scheme, to adulterate a life-saving medication, and that people have suffered as a result," said Robert Parkinson.

Sources Reuters, New York Times

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Heparin Victims Testify on Hill
House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., left, greets Johanna Marie Staples of Toledo, Ohio, who lost her husband after receiving Heparin, Tuesday, April 29, 2008, on...   (AP Photo)
Heparin Victims Testify on Hill
Baxter International, Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert Parkinson, Jr. testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, April 29,2008, before the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee...   (AP Photo)
Heparin Victims Testify on Hill
Leroy Hubley of Toledo, Ohio, who lost his wife and son after they received heparin, Tuesday, April 29,2008, while testifying before the House subcommittee hearing on tainted Heparin.   (AP Photo)
Heparin Victims Testify on Hill
FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, April 22, 2008, to testify before the House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on the contaminated pharmaceutical...   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
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Congress  • regulation  • Heparin  • Baxter International  • blood thinner  • drug safety  • contaminated drugs


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