Baxter to Import 18,000 Tons of IV Fluids by Year-End Amid Ongoing Hurricane Recovery Efforts

Critical Shortage:
The U.S. is facing a severe shortage of intravenous (IV) fluids, including saline and dextrose solutions, exacerbated by damage to Baxter International's plants in North Carolina due to Hurricane Helene.

Importation Plans:
Baxter will import approximately 18,000 tons of IV fluids from its international plants in Canada, China, Ireland, and the U.K. by the end of 2024 to address the shortage.

Production Impact:
The closure of Baxter's North Cove facility, which produces about 60% of the country's IV fluids, has intensified the scarcity, forcing hospitals to postpone elective surgeries due to insufficient supplies.

Regulatory Support:
The FDA has authorized temporary importation of IV fluids from Baxter's international facilities, and the federal government has invoked the Defense Production Act to help Baxter secure necessary materials for rebuilding.

Recovery Efforts:
Baxter is working to restart production at its North Cove facility, with over 2,500 employees returning to work and efforts to transport undamaged finished products to customers.

Conservation Strategies:
Baxter is promoting conservation efforts for IV and peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions and offering support and resources for product management strategies.

Impact on Healthcare:
The shortage affects hospitals and medical device manufacturers, with potential revenue impacts on hospital operators like HCA Healthcare and Tenet Healthcare if the shortage persists.