Metropolitan Police charge ITH Pharma over IV feed-linked baby deaths

An investigation into the deaths and illnesses of several babies at a number of UK hospitals has prompted London’s Metropolitan Police to levy charges against ITH Pharma for its alleged role in the fatalities.

The police force accused the firm of causing the deaths of three babies and the illness of another four as a result of supplying a medical product which did not accurately represent its prescription, in nature and in quality, as well as of not taking adequate steps to ensure patients were not infected by contaminants.

The accusations have been made in relation to the investigation of a case which originated in September 2014, after the death in June of a baby at Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospital in London. This was followed by the death of another baby at the same hospital, and another at the Rosie Maternity Hospital in Cambridge. Three other hospitals in Luton and Stevenage were also affected.

The deaths coincided with a bacterial infection outbreak which affected babies receiving Total Parental Nutrition (TPN). All of the seven affected babies received TPN, but only one of the deaths was linked to the intravenous feed.

ITH Pharma has manufactured over 1.4 million components of TPN since its launch, and acted as the sole supplier of reactive feeding solutions to the NHS.

 The company defended itself against the allegations, remarking: "As founders of ITH we have every sympathy for all the families affected, regardless of the cause. However, we are disappointed by the decision to charge the company and will vigorously defend this case."