Heparin producer to raise prices

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 15 (UPI) -- APP Pharmaceuticals Inc., Thursday said it was raising the price of its blood thinner heparin in the wake of an ingredient shortage in China.

The shortage ensued after a rash of illnesses and deaths were linked to heparin produced by rival Baxter International Inc., the Chicago Tribune reported.

Baxter has since recalled the tainted heparin, which it believes became contaminated in China with oversulfated chondroitin sulfate.

As many as 80 deaths and 1,000 allergic reactions have been reported from heparin use since January 2007.

"The tainted heparin supply has resulted in … a tight supply of the starting material," APP said in a statement.

Price increases "represents approximately 48 cents per dialysis treatment," APP said, referring to kidney dialysis patients who frequently use heparin.

"In dialysis patients this price adjustment translates to about 6 cents per 1000 units of heparin," APP said.

A vial of heparin normally costs about $1 per vial, the Tribune reported.