Chinese, Americans Differ on Heparin-Related Deaths

America and Chinese officials argued publicly whether a contaminant from China in Baxter International Inc.'s blood-thinner heparin caused allergic reactions and deaths. China determined the contaminant isn't to blame, and its scientists intend to inspect Baxter's heparin factory in New Jersey, a Chinese regulator, Jin Shaohong, said at a news conference yesterday in Washington. American regulators concluded the contaminant can trigger the side effects, a Food and Drug Administration official, Janet Woodcock, said in a call with reporters hours later. Eighty-one people given heparin died since January 2007 after suffering allergic reactions according to data released today by the FDA.