Examine individual changes

'{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2014}} {{Infobox company | name = Baxter International Inc. | logo = Baxter.svg | type = [[Public company|Public]] | traded_as = {{Unbulleted list|{{NYSE|BAX}}|[[S&P 500]] component}} | industry = [[Medical equipment]] | key_people = [[José E. Almeida]], ([[Chairman]] & [[Chief executive officer|CEO]])<br /> Jay Saccaro, ([[Chief financial officer|CFO]]) | products = Medical supplies to treat [[hemophilia]] and [[kidney disease]] and provide [[intravenous therapy]] | revenue = {{increase}}US$10.561B (''FY 2017'')<ref name = "2017 Form 10-K">{{cite web|title=2017 Form 10-K|url=http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9NDAxNDU0fENoaWxkSUQ9LTF8VHlwZT0z&t=1&cb=636574408348834173}}</ref> | net_income = {{decrease}}US$717M (''FY 2017'')<ref name = "2017 Form 10-K" /> | assets = {{increase}}US$17,111B (''FY 2017'')<ref name = "2017 Form 10-K" /> | equity = {{increase}}US$9,116B (''FY 2017'')<ref name = "2017 Form 10-K" /> | num_employees = 48,000 (December 2016) | location = [[Deerfield, Illinois]], U.S. | foundation = {{Start date and age|1931}} | website = {{URL|baxter.com}} }} '''Baxter International Inc.''' is a [[Fortune 500]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://fortune.com/fortune500/baxter-international/|title=Baxter International|website=Fortune|language=en-US|access-date=June 26, 2017}}</ref> American health care company with headquarters in [[Deerfield, Illinois]].<ref>"[http://www.baxter.com/about_baxter/contact_us/index.html Contact Us]." Baxter International. Retrieved on February 2, 2011. "Corporate address: One Baxter Parkway Deerfield, IL 60015-4625."</ref> The company primarily focuses on products to treat [[hemophilia]], [[kidney disease]], [[immune disorder]]s and other [[Chronic condition|chronic]] and [[Acute (medicine)|acute]] medical conditions. The company had 2017 sales of $10.6 billion, across two businesses: BioScience and Medical Products. Baxter's BioScience business produces [[recombinant proteins|recombinant]] and [[blood plasma]] proteins to treat hemophilia and other bleeding disorders; plasma-based therapies to treat immune deficiencies and other chronic and acute blood-related conditions; products for [[regenerative medicine]], and [[vaccine]]s. Baxter's Medical Products business produces [[intravenous]] products and other products used in the delivery of fluids and drugs to patients; [[inhalational anaesthetic]]s; contract manufacturing services; and products to treat [[end-stage renal disease]], or irreversible [[kidney failure]], including products for [[peritoneal dialysis]] and [[hemodialysis]].<ref name = "2013 Form 10-K">{{cite web|title=2013 Form 10-K|url=http://www.baxter.com/downloads/investors/reports_and_financials/annual_report/2013/2013_baxter_form10-K.pdf#page=51}}</ref> ==History== Baxter International was founded in 1931 by Donald Baxter, a [[Los Angeles]]-based [[Physician|medical doctor]], as a manufacturer and distributor of [[intravenous therapy]] solutions.<ref name = "history"/> Seeing a need for products closer to the Midwest, the company opened a manufacturing plant in [[Glenview, Illinois]], in 1933.<ref name = "history"/> Baxter's interest was bought out in 1935 by Ralph Falk, who established a [[research and development]] function. In 1939 the company developed a vacuum-type collection container, extending the [[shelf life]] of blood from hours to weeks. In 1954, the company expanded operations outside of the United States by opening an office in [[Belgium]]. In 1956 Baxter International introduced the first functioning [[artificial kidney]], and in 1971 became a member of the [[Fortune 500]]. In 1971, Baxter built a major manufacturing plant in [[Ashdod, Israel]], and as a result, the company was placed on the [[Arab League boycott of Israel|Arab League boycott list]] in the early 1980s.<ref name=boycott>{{cite book|last=Feiler|first=Gil|title=From Boycott to Economic Cooperation: The Political Economy of the Arab Boycott of Israel|publisher=Frank Cass Publishers|year=2005|pages=70}}</ref> Throughout the 1980s and 1990s the company expanded to deliver a wider variety of products and services (including vaccines, a greater variety of blood products) through acquisitions of various companies. Sales and production facilities also expanded throughout the world.<ref name = history>{{cite web | url=http://www.baxter.com/about_baxter/company_profile/sub/history.html | title=History | publisher=Baxter International | access-date=July 8, 2009 | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602055413/http://www.baxter.com/about_baxter/company_profile/sub/history.html | archivedate=June 2, 2009 }}</ref> In 1982, Baxter acquired Medcom, Inc., a New York-based firm founded by [[Richard Fuisz]] and his brother, that had large markets in the United States and [[Saudi Arabia]].<ref name=tribune90>{{cite news|last=Morris|first=Steven|title=Baxter Told To Pay Firm $15 Million|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|publisher=|date=March 17, 1990|url= http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1990-03-17/business/9001220565_1_dr-richard-fuisz-baxter-spokesman-baxter-international}}</ref><ref name=edgar>{{cite web|url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2993/95013397001096/filing-main.htm |title=FUISZ TECHNOLOGIES LTD, Form 10-K, Annual Report, Filing Date Mar 31, 1997 |publisher=secdatabase.com |accessdate =May 15, 2018}}</ref><ref name=mcall>{{cite news|last=Kupper|first=Thom|title='Whistle-blower' Left L.v. For Career|newspaper=[[The Morning Call]]|publisher=|date=January 29, 1992|url=http://articles.mcall.com/1992-01-29/news/2844691_1_richard-fuisz-medcom-products-baxter|}}</ref> Baxter chief executive Vernon Loucks fired Fuisz who then brought anti-boycott charges against Baxter to the [[United States Department of Commerce|U.S. Commerce Department]] Office of Anti-Boycott Compliance (OAC). Fuisz alleged that Baxter had sold their profitable Ashdod facility to [[Teva Pharmaceutical Industries]] in 1988<ref name="bloomberg_1991" /> while simultaneously negotiating the construction of a similar plant in Syria in partnership with the Syrian military in order to be removed from the Arab League blacklist in 1989.<ref name=boycott/><ref name=washreport>{{cite news|last=Curtiss|first=Richard|title=People Watch|newspaper=[[Washington Report on Middle East Affairs]]|pages=45|date=July–August 1994|url=http://www.wrmea.org/wrmea-archives/156-washington-report-archives-1994-1999/july-august-1994/7546-pollard-mentor-rafael-eitan-turns-up-in-castros-cuba.html|}}</ref><ref name=tribune93>{{cite news|last=Morris|first=Steven|title=$6 Million From Baxter|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|publisher=|date=March 26, 1993|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1993-03-26/business/9303260280_1_dr-richard-fuisz-anti-boycott-baxter-international}}</ref> In 1993 Baxter pleaded guilty to a [[felony]] in relation to an anti-[[boycott]] law in the United States.<ref name="bloomberg_1991">{{cite web | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/bw/stories/1991-10-06/the-case-against-baxter-international | title=The case against Baxter International | publisher=Bloomberg | date=October 6, 1991 | access-date=October 17, 2015}}</ref><ref name = Mintzberg/> In July 15, 1985, American Hospital Supply Corporation CEO Karl D. Bays and Baxter's then-CEO Vernon R. Loucks Jr. signed an agreement that merged two of the United States' "largest producers of medical supplies".<ref name="nytimes_1985">{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/07/16/business/baxter-s-merger-bid-accepted.html | title=Baxter's Merger Bid Accepted Published: July 16, 1985 | work=New York Times | date=July 16, 1985 | access-date=October 17, 2015 | author=Crudele, John}}</ref> This was a "one-Baxter approach" in which the company provided "70% to 80% of what a hospital needed."<ref name="modernhealthcare_2006" /> In 1991, Baxter's home infusion subsidiary, [[CVS Health|Caremark]], "was accused by the government of paying doctors to steer patients to its intravenous drug service"<ref name="chicagotribune_1995">{{cite web | url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1995-06-19/business/9506190063_1_baxter-international-million-settlement-bear-stearns | title=Caremark Wounds Not Deep Penalty Could Have Been More Damaging| publisher=Chicago Tribune | date=June 19, 1995 | access-date=October 17, 2015 | author=Yates, Ronald E.}}</ref> In 1992 Caremark spun off from Baxter International.<ref name="chicagotribune_1995" /> Caremark was fined $160 million for the "four-year-long federal mail-fraud and kickback" scheme in which the "home-infusion business unit made weekly payments to scores of doctors that averaged about $75 per patient for referring those patients to its services. Some doctors earned as much as $80,000 a year from the kickbacks, according to government documents."<ref name="chicagotribune_1995" /> In 1996, the company entered into a four-way, $640 million settlement with [[haemophilia]]cs 1999 in relation to [[Coagulation|blood clotting]] concentrates that were infected with HIV.<ref name="Feldman_1999">{{cite book | isbn = 0-19-513160-6 | title = Blood feuds: AIDS, blood, and the politics of medical disaster | publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] | year = 1999 | last = Feldman | first = EA |author2=Bayer R | pages = [https://books.google.com/books?id=mcRp6cvcTm4C&pg=PA49 49–50]; [https://books.google.com/books?id=mcRp6cvcTm4C&pg=PA320 320]}}</ref> Under pressure from shareholders due to poor performance and an unsuccessful merger, Loucks was forced to resign.<ref name = Mintzberg>{{cite book |author=Mintzberg, Henry |title=Managers Not MBAs: A Hard Look at the Soft Practice of Managing and Management Development |publisher=Berrett-Koehler Publishers |location=San Francisco, Calif |year=2004 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zsYAeVgwHDQC&pg=PA115 |isbn=1-57675-275-5 }}</ref>{{rp|115}} Baxter acquired medical device firm Baxa on November 10, 2011.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.boston.com/2011-11-10/business/30382914_1_baxter-international-baxa-syringes | work=The Boston Globe | title=Baxter Int'l finishes $380M Baxa Corp purchase}}</ref> In 2011, [[Hikma Pharmaceuticals|Hikma]] Pharmaceuticals PLC completed the acquisition of Baxter Healthcare Corporation's US generic injectables business (Multi-Source Injectables or MSI).<ref name = History>{{cite news| url=https://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/HIK.L/key-developments/article/2304890 | work=''Reuters''. Retrieved May 3, 2011 | title=Hikma Pharmaceuticals Plc Completes Acquisition of Baxter Healthcare Corporation's Multi-Source Injectables Business}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.hikma.com/en/about-hikma/our-history.aspx | work= Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC | title=History}}</ref> In July 2013, EU antitrust regulators approved Baxter's bid for Sweden's [[Gambro]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/10/us-baxterinternational-gambro-eu-idUSBRE9690ML20130710| title=EU to clear Baxter's $4 billion buy of Sweden's Gambro: sources | author=Foo Yun Chee | publisher=Reuters | date=10 July 2013}}</ref> In March 2014, Baxter announced plans to create two separate, independent global healthcare companies—one focused on developing and marketing bio-pharmaceuticals and the other on medical products. The medical products company retained the name Baxter International Inc. and the bio-pharmaceuticals company is named [[Baxalta]] and [[Corporate spin-off|spun-off]] as a new public company that showed on trading boards as of July 1, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sandp500changes.whw1.com/#D20150701-BXLT-QEP |title=Baxalta Added and QEP Resources Deleted|publisher=SandP500changes.whw1.com|date=July 1, 2015|access-date=July 1, 2015}}</ref> In July 2014, Baxter announced that it was exiting the vaccines business—divesting its commercial vaccine portfolio to Pfizer (with the sale expected to close by the end of the year) and exploring options for its vaccines R&D program, including influenza.<ref>http://www.baxter.com/press_room/press_releases/2014/07_30_14_vaccines.html</ref> In October 2015, José E. Almeida was named chairman and chief executive officer.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Russell|first1=John|title=Baxter names new CEO|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-baxter-names-new-ceo-1029-biz-20151028-story.html|website=The Chicago Tribune|publisher=The Chicago Tribune}}</ref> In January 2016 Shire PLC agreed to acquire Baxalta for $32 billion.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ward|first1=Andrew|title=Shire agrees $32bn takeover of Baxalta|url=https://www.ft.com/content/bb4b97d4-b2cf-11e5-b147-e5e5bba42e51|publisher=FT}}</ref> In December 2016, Baxter announced it would acquire Claris Lifesciences injectables subsidiary, Claris Injectables, for $625 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.genengnews.com/gen-news-highlights/baxter-buys-claris-generic-injectables-subsidiary-for-625m/81253563|title=Baxter Buys Claris' Generic Injectables Subsidiary for $625M - GEN Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News - Biotech from Bench to Business - GEN|author=|date=|website=GEN|access-date=July 16, 2017}}</ref> ==Former employees== During the tenure of Vernon Loucks, who was Baxter's CEO from 1980 to 1998 and chairman from 1987 to 1999, company sales "more than quadrupled to $5.7 billion while its workforce rose from 30,000 to 42,000." During that time, Loucks hired and groomed staff who went on to become CEOs elsewhere. Baxter alumni groomed by Loucks included Terry Mulligan of MedAssets, Lance Piccolo at Caremark, Mike Mussallem of Edwards Lifesciences Corp and CEOs of Boston Scientific Corp. and Cardinal Health.<ref name="modernhealthcare_2006">{{cite web | url=http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20060327/NEWS/60823001 | title=Profile of Vernon Loucks Spinning off success: Loucks helped mentor a cadre of future leaders at Baxter | work=Modern Healthcare | date=March 27, 2006 | access-date=October 17, 2015 | author=Finkel, Ed}}</ref> ==Environmental activities== In 1997, a report produced by the company indicated that changes made to reduce environmental impacts generated savings that exceeded their cost, producing a net profit. Reporting was company-wide, with a variety of aggregation and reporting, including on the company's internet and intranet sites.<ref name = Klinkers1999>{{cite book |editors =Klinkers L; Bennett M; James P | author=Bennett M; James P |title=Sustainable Measures: Evaluation and Reporting of Environmental and Social Performance |publisher=Greenleaf Pubns |year=1999 |pages= [https://books.google.com/books?id=I0iChJeHaC4C&pg=PA253 253–282]|isbn=1-874719-16-0 |oclc= | chapter = The Evolution of Integrated Environmental Performance Evaluation and Reporting}}</ref> The company was an early joiner in the "green and greedy" movement, which aims to lessen the environmental impacts of manufacturing its products while saving the company money.<ref name = greengreedy>{{cite book | pages = [https://books.google.com/books?id=_Cy9xMIoCdUC&pg=PA254 254–5] | isbn = 0-300-11077-4 | publisher=[[Yale University Press]] | last = Adelson | first = G |author2=Engell J |author3=Ranalli B |author4=Van Anglen KP | title = Environment: An Interdisciplinary Anthology }}</ref> In 2009 the company announced it had reached a variety of its environmentally friendly goals, and that it would continue to try to reduce waste, emissions, energy use and environmental incidents over the coming years.<ref name = emissions>{{cite web | title = Baxter Cuts GHG Emissions by 21% | url = http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/06/19/baxter-cuts-ghg-emissions-by-21/ | date = June 19, 2009 | access-date = July 3, 2009 | publisher=Environmentalleader.com | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20090621075303/http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/06/19/baxter-cuts-ghg-emissions-by-21/| archivedate= June 21, 2009 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> ==Structure== {| class="wikitable sortable" border="1" |+Baxter International by businessline<ref name=corpoverview>{{cite web | url = http://www.baxter.com/about_baxter/company_profile/corporate_overview.html | title = Corporate Overview | access-date = November 5, 2010 | publisher=Baxter International| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20101120024936/http://baxter.com/about_baxter/company_profile/corporate_overview.html| archivedate= November 20, 2010 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref><ref name = Davis2003>{{cite book | chapter = Purifying an image: Baxter International and the Dialyzer Crisis | year = 2003 | pages = [https://books.google.com/books?id=eeXbNc5BjwQC&pg=PA349 349–364] | isbn = 0-07-021733-5 | title = The power of management capital: utilizing the new drivers of innovation, profitability, and growth in a demanding global economy | publisher=[[McGraw-Hill]] Professional | editor = Feigenbaum AV | last = Davis | first = JA }}</ref> |- ! Name !! Focus !! 2013 sales (in billions) !! Percentage of total sales |- | BioScience || [[Hemophilia]] therapy; [[Monoclonal antibody therapy|antibody therapy]]; critical care therapy; pulmonology therapy; biosurgery products; [[vaccines]] || $6.4 || 43% |- | Medical Products || IV solutions, premixed drugs, [[infusion pump]]s and administration sets; [[parenteral nutrition]] products; [[anesthesia]]; drug formulation and pharma partnering; [[peritoneal dialysis]] products; [[hemodialysis]] products; [[continuous renal replacement therapy]] || $10.3 || 57% |- |} The company had 2014 sales of $16.7 billion, across two businesses: BioScience (2013 sales - $6.6 billion) and Medical Products ($8.7 billion).<ref name="2013 Form 10-K"/> Sales in 2013 were 42% in the United States, 30% in Europe, 16% in Asia Pacific, 12% in Latin America and Canada. In 2011, Baxter had approximately 61,500 employees. The breakdown of regional employees in 2013 was 36% in the United States; 34% in Europe; 16% in Asia Pacific; 14% in Latin America and Canada. In 2013, Baxter International spent more than $1.2 billion on research and development.<ref>{{cite web|title=Corporate overview|url=http://www.baxter.com/about_baxter/company_profile/corporate_overview.html | access-date=}}</ref> As of December 31, 2016, the company had approximately 48,000 employees.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9MzcwODQxfENoaWxkSUQ9LTF8VHlwZT0z&t=1&cb=636253845617338842|title=Baxter Form 10-K for year ended 2016|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref> ===Corporate governance=== In 1953 William Graham became the company's [[Chief executive officer|CEO]]. Vernon Loucks became [[President#Non-governmental presidents|president]] and CEO in 1980. Loucks was forced to resign by [[shareholder]]s.<ref name = Mintzberg/> When shareholders forced Loucks to resign,<ref name="wsj_1999">{{cite web | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB925337647950346340 | title=To a Pile of CEO Perks, Add the 'Special' Bonus | publisher=The Wall Street Journal | date=April 29, 1999 | access-date=October 18, 2015 | author=Schellhardt, Timothy D.}}</ref> {{quote|"In January, as Baxter International Inc.'s Vernon Loucks relinquished his CEO duties after 18 years, directors handed him a special stock-option grant of 950,000 shares "for the specific purposes of motivating" him "to implement a smooth transition of his responsibilities." If Mr. Loucks sells all the 400,000 shares he can exercise at year end and Baxter's stock price remains at its current level, he will make more than $4 million."|The Wall Street April 29, 1999}} Loucks was succeeded by Harry Kraemer, who was succeeded by Robert Parkinson, who took the CEO position in 2004.<ref name = history/> ==H1N1 vaccine== In June 2009, Baxter International announced it expected to have the first commercial [[vaccine]] for the [[Influenza A virus subtype H1N1|H1N1 ("swine flu") influenza]] as early as July of the same year. The company has been one of several working with the [[World Health Organization]] and United States [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] on the vaccine, and uses a [[cell (biology)|cell]]-based rather than [[egg (food)|egg]]-based technology that allows a shorter production time.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2009/06/13/Baxter-to-release-flu-vaccine-in-July/UPI-41571244908860/ | title = Baxter to release flu vaccine in July | publisher=[[United Press International]] | date = June 13, 2009 | access-date = July 2, 2009 | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20090616050354/http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2009/06/13/Baxter-to-release-flu-vaccine-in-July/UPI-41571244908860/| archivedate= June 16, 2009 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> ==Philanthropy== In 2008, Baxter launched Science@Work: Expanding Minds with Real-World Science, which supports teacher training and student development in healthcare and biotechnology in Chicago Public Schools.<ref name="Baxter_2014_ed">{{citation |series=Baxter sustainability report |title=Education and Critical Community Needs |url=http://www.baxter.com/assets/downloads/baxter-sustainability-report-2014.pdf |format=PDF |date=2015 |work=Baxter |access-date=October 18, 2015}}</ref>{{rp|17}} In 2013, the company was included in The Civic 50, a list of the most community-minded companies in America from The National Conference on Citizenship and Points of Light, published by Bloomberg.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.civic50.org/2013_results.php|title=The Civic 50 website, 2013 results|author=|date=|website=Civic50.org|access-date=July 16, 2017}}</ref> In 2014, roughly 6,300 Baxter employees volunteered in their communities through The Baxter International Foundation's Dollars for Doers program, addressing local concerns such as healthcare, the environment and education.<ref name="Baxter_2014_em">{{citation |series=Baxter sustainability report |title=Employee Involvement |url=http://www.baxter.com/assets/downloads/baxter-sustainability-report-2014.pdf |format=PDF |date=2015 |work=Baxter |access-date=October 18, 2015}}</ref>{{rp|104}} In 2014, Baxter and The Baxter International Foundation gave over $50 million.<ref name="Baxter_2014_cm">{{citation |series=Baxter sustainability report |title=Community Support |url=http://www.baxter.com/assets/downloads/baxter-sustainability-report-2014.pdf |format=PDF |date=2015 |work=Baxter |access-date=October 18, 2015}}</ref> Baxter was included for the 13th year in ''Corporate Responsibility'' magazine's 100 Best Corporate Citizens list in 2014 for its social responsibility performance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baxter.com/press_room/press_releases/2014/06_25_14_sustainability.html|title=Press Room: Press Releases - Baxter|author=|date=June 2014|website=www.Baxter.com|access-date=July 16, 2017}}</ref> ==Controversies== ===1975 Hemofil hepatitis B outbreak=== In August 1975, Baxter / Travenol withdrew a clotting factor product Hemofil after the product was associated with an outbreak of hepatitis B.<ref>http://health.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Tribunal-of-Inquiry-into-the-Infection-with-HIV-and-Hep-C-of-persons-with-Haemophilia-and-Related-Matters.pdf</ref> ===1983 prison plasma collection=== Baxter, unknown to the FDA, continued to use prison plasma in factor concentrate production until October 1983, despite having entered into an agreement with the FDA (11 months earlier) that they would no longer use US prison plasma, which posed a high risk of virus transmission.<ref>Class Action Complaint (2004) Case No. C032572 PJH. Page 24.</ref> ===1996 Japanese haemophiliac [[HIV]] lawsuit=== It was announced in quarter 1 of 1996 that Baxter had agreed to settle a lawsuit involving 200 Japanese haemophilia patients who had become infected with HIV as a result of using [[Contaminated haemophilia blood products|contaminated haemophilia products]] which were unheated. The Japanese courts ordered for each victim to receive $411,460 by March 29 that year.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Letter|first1=The Pharma|date=|title=Baxter Agrees To Settle Japan HIV Lawsuit|url=http://www.thepharmaletter.com/article/baxter-agrees-to-settle-japan-hiv-lawsuit|website=www.ThePharmaLetter.com|access-date=}}</ref> ===2001 Althane disaster=== {{Main article|Baxter Althane disaster}} The Baxter Althane disaster in autumn 2001 was a series of 56 sudden deaths of [[renal failure]] patients in Spain, Croatia, Italy, Germany, Taiwan, Colombia and the USA (mainly Nebraska and Texas). All had received hospital treatment with Althane [[hemodialysis]] equipment, a product range manufactured by Baxter International, USA.<ref>{{cite web|date=|title=Baxter Dialyzer Recall|url=http://biomed.brown.edu/Courses/BI108/BI108_2007_Groups/group05/pages/baxter.html|work=Major Recalls of Organ Replacement Devices|access-date=October 12, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Baxter Faces Suit On Dialysis Deaths|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/14/business/baxter-faces-suit-on-dialysis-deaths.html|access-date=October 12, 2013|newspaper=New York Times|date=November 14, 2001}}</ref> ===2008 Chinese heparin adulteration=== {{Main article|2008 Chinese heparin adulteration}} In 2008, the quality of blood thinning products produced by Baxter was brought into question when they were linked to 19 deaths in the United States.<ref name=time1>{{cite news |title=Heparin's Deadly Side Effects |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1858870,00.html |work=Time magazine |access-date=November 16, 2008 |date=November 13, 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121194220/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C1858870%2C00.html |archivedate=November 21, 2008 |deadurl=no |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Upon inspection, one of the raw ingredients used by Baxter was found to be contaminated – between 5 and 20 percent – with a substance that was similar, but not identical, to the ingredient itself. The company initiated a voluntary recall, temporarily suspended the manufacture of [[heparin]], and launched an investigation. The investigation into the contamination has focused on raw heparin produced by Changzhou Scientific Protein Laboratories, a China-based branch of [[Scientific Protein Laboratories]], based in [[Waunakee, Wisconsin]]. Due to procedural errors, Changzhou SPL's facilities were never subjected to inspection by US FDA officials, as required by FDA regulations. In addition, Changzhou SPL's products were also never certified as safe for use in pharmaceutical products by Chinese FDA officials, due to Changzhou SPL's registration as a chemical company rather than a pharmaceutical manufacturer.<ref name=wp1>"Contaminant Found in Blood Thinner", ''Washington Post'' (Online edition), March 5, 2008</ref><ref name=reuters1>"Baxter probe focuses on US-owned China plant – WSJ", Reuters, February 15, 2008</ref><ref name=wsj1>"China Washes Hands on Heparin Purity", ''Wall Street Journal'' (Online edition) February 27, 2008</ref> Though Baxter was first to recall heparin because of increased adverse reactions, after the contaminant was identified and testing protocols were shared with other manufacturers globally, over a dozen other companies in nearly a dozen countries issued recalls, which linked back to certain supply points in China. ===2009 Avian flu contamination=== In early 2009, samples of viral material supplied by Baxter International to a series of European laboratories were found to be contaminated with live Avian flu virus ([[Influenza A virus subtype H5N1]]).<ref>{{cite news | work=[[Bloomberg L.P.]] | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aTo3LbhcA75I | title = Baxter Sent Bird Flu Virus to European Labs by Error | date = February 24, 2009 | access-date = August 8, 2009 }}</ref> Samples of the less harmful seasonal flu virus (subtype H3N2) were found to be mixed with the deadly H5N1 strain after a vaccine made from the material killed test animals in a lab in the [[Czech Republic]]. Though the serious consequences were avoided by the lab in the Czech Republic,<ref name="CTV_2009">{{cite news | agency = [[The Canadian Press]] | url = http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090227/Bird_Flu_090227/20090227?hub=Health | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090302043044/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090227/Bird_Flu_090227/20090227?hub=Health | dead-url = yes | archive-date = March 2, 2009 | title = Baxter admits flu product contained live bird flu virus | work = CTV | date = February 27, 2009 | access-date = July 4, 2009 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Baxter then claimed the failed controls over the distribution of the virus were 'stringent' and there was 'little chance' of the lethal virus harming humans.<ref>{{cite news |work=Financial Times | url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d7a3e3d6-1237-11de-b816-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1 | title = WHO mulls stricter transport of bio products | last = Jack | first = A | date = March 16, 2009 | access-date = June 16, 2009 }}</ref> ===2009 drug cost inflation=== On July 2, 2009, [[Kentucky]] Attorney General [[Jack Conway (politician)|Jack Conway]] announced a settlement between the state and Baxter Healthcare Corporation, a subsidiary of Baxter International, worth $2 million. The company had been inflating the cost of the [[intravenous therapy|intravenous drugs]] sold to Kentucky Medicaid, at times as much as 1300%.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.kypost.com/content/news/commonwealth/story/Conway-Announces-Multi-Million-Dollar-Settlement/srxPJ5GaiU2gqFfhozY9-g.cspx | title = Conway Announces Multi-Million Dollar Settlement With Drug Company | last = Tracy | first = B | work=[[The Cincinnati Post|Kentucky Post]] | publisher=[[E. W. Scripps Company]] | date = July 3, 2009 | access-date = July 3, 2009 }}</ref> ===2010 hepatitis C infections=== In 2010, a jury in [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], ordered Baxter and Teva Pharmaceuticals to pay $144 million to patients who had been infected with [[hepatitis C]] after doctors wrongly reused dirty medical supplies to administer [[propofol]] to patients, although the label for propofol clearly states that it is for single-patient use only and that aseptic procedures should be used at all times.<ref>[http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-05-08/teva-baxter-will-fight-500-million-in-damages-over-propofol.html "Teva, Baxter Will Fight $500 Million in Damages Over Propofol", ''Business Week'', May 8, 2010]</ref> Per a 2009 indemnity agreement between Teva (the manufacturer) and Baxter (acting as a distributor on behalf of Teva), the litigation and related settlements were defended and paid by Teva.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://investor.baxter.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=86121&p=irol-reportsannual;|title=2011 annual report, page 87|author=|date=|website=Baxter.com|access-date=July 16, 2017}}</ref> ===2010 infusion pump recall=== In 2010, Baxter was ordered by the FDA to recall all of their Colleague infusion pumps from the market due to 87 recalls and deaths associated with the pump.<ref>{{cite news|title=FDA Issues Statement on Baxter's Recall of Colleague Infusion Pumps|url=http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm210664.htm|access-date=May 3, 2010|agency=FDA|publisher=FDA}}</ref> ===2008–2010 tax avoidance=== In December 2011, the non-partisan organization [[Public Campaign#Reports|Public Campaign]] criticized Baxter for spending $10.45 million on [[lobbying]] and not paying any taxes during 2008–2010, instead getting $66 million in tax rebates, despite making a profit of $926 million.<ref>{{cite web |last=Portero |first=Ashley |title=30 Major U.S. Corporations Paid More to Lobby Congress Than Income Taxes, 2008–2010 |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/264481/20111209/30-major-u-s-corporations-paid-lobby.htm |publisher=[[International Business Times]] |access-date=December 26, 2011 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/64D9GyQG0?url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/264481/20111209/30-major-u-s-corporations-paid-lobby.htm |archivedate=December 26, 2011 |deadurl=yes |df=mdy }}</ref> ==See also== {{Portal bar|Chicago|Illinois|Companies|Health and fitness}} ==References== {{Reflist|30em}} ==External links== {{commons category|Baxter International}} * {{Official website|http://www.Baxter.com/}} {{Finance links | name = Baxter International | symbol = BAX | sec_cik = BAX | yahoo = BAX | google = BAX }} {{Illinois Corporations}} {{Pharmaceutical companies of the United States}} [[Category:Companies based in Deerfield, Illinois]] [[Category:Health care companies established in 1931]] [[Category:Companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange]] [[Category:Life sciences industry]] [[Category:Multinational companies]] [[Category:Orphan drug companies]] [[Category:Baxter International|*]] [[Category:1931 establishments in California]]'