WASHINGTON - An executive for a maker of the drug heparin says a contaminant in the blood-thinning medication appears to have been placed there deliberately.Eighty one deaths are associated with allergic reactions to tainted doses of heparin.

Heparin is used to help patients undergoing kidney dialysis and other procedures. The medication is made by Baxter International and other companies.

In testimony before a congressional committee Tuesday, Baxter’s Chief Executive Officer Robert Parkinson said there seems to have been a deliberate scheme to adulterate heparin. The contaminant is chemically similar to heparin, but is less expensive.

Baxter recalled heparin about two months ago.

Heparin is made from ingredients imported from China, but Chinese officials say the material they supply is not the source of the health problems.

Source:  VOA News