Company Launches Investigation Into Concerns Over Bacteria

A product liability lawyer at Irwin Mitchell has called for pharmaceutical firm Bristol-Myers Squibb to work quickly to investigate concerns in relation to bacteria found in its Viaspan donor organ solution.

The company has confirmed it is continuing to examine how the bacteria Bacillus cereus came to be in the fluid, which is used to preserve organs such as kidneys, liver and bowel when they are transported to hospitals across the country.

A worldwide recall has been launched after the issue was identified during routine testing at a manufacturing facility in Austria. It is believed that a faulty pressure gauge may be linked to the problem.

At present, it is not believed that any adverse effects in patients can be linked to the contamination issue.

Gary Walker, a lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, specialises in helping people who have suffered illness and injury as a result of defective medical products. His team currently act for a number of people who have suffered problems as a result of faulty De Puy ASR and ASR XL hip implants.

Commenting on this issue, he said: “It is a significant concern that this issue has been raised, at a time when the safety of medical products is particularly in the spotlight due to high-profile concerns over hip and breast implants.

“However, it is welcome news that Bristol-Myers Squibb are working to determine the cause of these bacteria problems and hopefully this will ensure that as much information as possible can be gathered on how this came to occur.

“Any such data will also play a key role in preventing the same kinds of issues from arising in the future and lead to an overall improvement in patient safety.”

If you or a loved one has been injured or fallen ill due to a faulty medical device or medicine, our medical negligence claims team could help you claim compensation. View our Defective Medical Device & Medicines Claims page for more information.