Pfizer Gets US DoJ Subpoena In Intravenous Saline Investigation

(RTTNews) - Pfizer Inc. (PFE) has been subpoenaed by the U.S. Justice Department as part of an antitrust investigation into intravenous saline sales practices. The company said it is evaluating the requests.

Saline is a salt water solution that's widely used in the medical system. The shortage caught attention in recent years, with manufacturers claiming they just couldn't keep up with demand. Price of Saline drastically increase since the 2013 shortage.

Pfizer acquired Hospira, one of three main saline manufacturers, in September 2015. Wednesday's news follows a Tuesday disclosure by ICU Medical (ICUI) which Pfizer completed a sale of its infusion therapy assets to in early February, that it had been subpoenaed in connection with an investigation.

ICU Medical said it has also had a request from the New York Attorney General for information on its IV solution sales practices, and that "both of these investigations relate primarily to time periods prior to the Company's ownership."

On Friday, another company, Baxter International Inc. (BAX) said that it received a grand jury subpoena as part of an investigation into its saline sales practices.