Baxter probe focuses on US-owned China plant - WSJ

NEW YORK, Feb 15 (Reuters) - Baxter International Inc's (BAX.N) investigation into the cause of deaths and allergic reactions linked to its blood-thinner heparin is focusing on a Chinese manufacturer co-owned by a Wisconsin company, according to the Wall Street Journal on Friday.

Baxter said the active ingredient for its heparin was supplied by Scientific Protein Laboratories of Waunakee, Wisconsin, which has a joint-venture operation called Changzhou SPL in Changzhou, China, according to the Journal.

The Journal said Scientific Protein president David Strunce said most of its active ingredient for heparin is made at the China plant, but some comes from the Wisconsin facility.

Baxter and Scientific Protein were not immediately available for comment.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Tuesday it has never inspected the Chinese plant that makes Baxter's heparin.

Baxter halted sales of some versions of its heparin product after four deaths and a total of 350 reports of health problems associated with the product. (Reporting by Yinka Adegoke)