November 18, 2020 – Premier Inc. (Charlotte, NC), through its ProvideGx program, has partnered with Fresenius Kabi to supply pre-filled, single-use IV bags of heparin sodium injection, USP to healthcare providers, helping to stabilize the long-term supply of a medication that is necessary when performing a number of hospital inpatient procedures.
Heparin, an anticoagulant that prevents the formation of blood clots that can ultimately lead to venous and arterial thromboembolic events, has been on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug shortage list since 2017.
However, shortages have been exacerbated recently, as research shows that between 25% and 40% of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 develop blood clots and require medications like heparin upon admission. These same patients remain at risk for clots up to 90 days post-discharge and that may extend the need for anticoagulation therapy, Premier said.
The financial terms of Premier’s agreement with Fresenius Kabi were not disclosed.