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# Pfizer Gets IV Saline Solution Probe Subpoenas
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/pfizer-gets-iv-saline-solution-probe-subpoenas/
- Published: 2017-04-20T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T22:18:43.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Drugs, #legacy-id-D5138496

Pfizer says it has received grand jury subpoenas from the Justice Department about an antitrust probe into drug makers that market intravenous saline solutions. Reuters [reports](http://www.reuters.com/article/us-pfizer-antitrust-idUSKBN17L1XT?ref=fdaweb.com) that subpoenas also were received by ICU Medical, which acquired Pfizer’s global infusion therapy business, and Baxter International. ICU Medical said the probe related to Hospira Infusion Systems that it acquired in February from Pfizer.

The news service says the investigation comes during a shortage of intravenous saline solutions dating back to late 2013\. FDA placed the solutions on its drug shortage list 1/2014, saying the shortage was triggered by factors including increased hospital demand, potentially related to the flu season.

In 2015, Reuters says, a bipartisan group of four senators asked the Federal Trade Commission to look into three companies — Baxter, Hospira, and B. Braun — that they said supplied all the saline solution used in the U.S. They said that since the shortage began, prices had risen 200% to 300%.

Baxter and ICU Medical said they have also received information requests from New York attorney general **Eric Schneiderman**. And Baxter and Hospira are facing a proposed class action lawsuit accusing them of conspiring to fix prices for intravenous saline solution.