Parker Waichman LLP

Heparin Problems Spark Concerns Over Animal-Derived Drugs

Scientists have had concerns about animal-derived drugs for some time now; however, they also know creating synthetic alternatives has not always been successful.  The recent recall of the Baxter International blood thinner heparin—linked to dozens of deaths and hundreds of illnesses—whose main ingredient comes from pig intestines, has increased public awareness that some important medicines […]

Scientists have had concerns about animal-derived drugs for some time now; however, they also know creating synthetic alternatives has not always been successful.  The recent recall of the Baxter International blood thinner <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/heparin">heparin—linked to dozens of deaths and hundreds of illnesses—whose main ingredient comes from pig intestines, has increased public awareness that some important medicines still generate from animals.  Although the heparin catastrophe turned out not to be linked to pigs, Scientific Protein Laboratories—supplier of the active ingredient in heparin to Baxter—also supplies much of the pig-derived pancreatic enzymes used by cystic fibrosis patients.

Most cystic fibrosis patients take five large capsules at each meal to supply enzymes their bodies do not produce.  This medication is life sustaining for most of the nearly 30,000 people in the US with cystic fibrosis, a hereditary disease that attacks the lungs and digestive tract.  Leslie Hendeles, a University of Florida professor of pharmacy and pediatrics asks, “What would happen if there were a virus, a pig virus, something analogous to mad cow disease?”  “A number of pharmaceutical firms are trying to eliminate all animal-sourced products from their raw material streams,” said Dr. Robert G. Rohwer, the director of a Department of Veterans Affairs neurovirology laboratory.

Currently, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is pursuing an alternative to pig-derived medications and is working with Altus Pharmaceuticals of Cambridge, Massachusetts, to develop a synthetic version of the enzyme capsules.  Synthetic replacements are also being sought for other products, including the lung fluids called surfactants used in neonatal wards and for raw materials used in pharmaceutical production.  Survanta, the most widely used lung surfactant for premature infants in the US, which is made by Abbott, comes from cows in New Zealand, an island thought to be safe from mad cow disease.  Altus is in final stages of clinical studies and is planning to submit its new drug application with the FDA next year.  Instead of five large pills with each meal and snack, people with cystic fibrosis would have to take only one small capsule.

Millions of heparin vials are used annually in this country to prevent blood clots during major surgery and kidney dialysis.  To date, no appropriate synthetic version has been found.  Arixtra, a synthetic drug marketed by GlaxoSmithKline copies the most active portion of heparin, has been successfully used for some surgeries, but it is about 10 times as expensive as heparin and has no specific antidote to reverse its anti-clotting properties if a patient develops bleeding problems.

While the risk of transmitting disease from animal-based drugs is small, it does occur, according to Paul W. Brown, a retired National Institutes of Health senior investigator.  “Any time you take a tissue or an extract process from a tissue from one species and put it into a another species or even another animal, you run the risk of unwanted pathogens that you didn’t know were there; that’s been responsible for repeated problems over the course of time,” Dr. Brown said. “If you can do something without taking tissue or a product from another being, you’re ahead of the game.”

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Responsiveness , Value Thank you Parker Waichman and a special thanks to Francisco for successfully settling such a complex case like mine. Would refer a friend.
Chulani Sterling
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
My Experience with the lawyer Jessie Salcedo has been excellent, she has helped me at all times and answered any questions I had at some point. Thank you! Jessie Salcedo Paralegal Parker Waichman LLP
Keisha Reyes
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I am very grateful to the lawyers at Parker Waichman for their experience and speed, they have helped me in two accident cases, thanks also to Catherine for her kindness, she has helped me in the translation and processing of the case, to Jorge for helping me finalize the case ! two extraordinary people. Thank you Parker Waichman.
PAblo MEndez
5 months ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038