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Published online 24 April 2008 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news.2008.774
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Trigger in heparin deaths confirmed
Contaminant set off allergic-like reactions.
A contaminant found in tainted heparin, the blood-thinner drug that has been linked to dozens of deaths, can trigger severe adverse reactions all by itself, researchers report.
In one study released today, researchers confirm the presence of the chemical, known as oversulphated chondroitin sulphate, in suspect batches of heparin1.
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The continued contamination of food and drug products using contaminants not easily detectable by standard chemical tests must be given the highest priority by the FDA. China has demonstrated an unwillingness to guarantee the quality and purity of their chemicals and foodstuffs, and we are now in a position of not being able to accept any statement their corporations and government makes regarding the safety of their products. Lead paint in crayons and toys, deadly pet food contaminated by melamine, and now heparin contaminated, apparently intentionally, with a chemical that will pass chemical identification testing, and must be identified using far more intensive testing. This speaks to a general lack of ethical standards by this nation. At the same time, American citizens are not allowed to purchase prescription drugs from Canada because the FDA is "worried" about safety issues. The FDA needs to forget the political aspects of "hurting the feelings" of the Chinese government and trade, and start protecting the American public from the unacceptable practices of Chinese industry. I would suggest a permanant ban on trade with any supplier shipping substandard product.