WASHINGTON—Drug and medical device maker Baxter Healthcare Corp. spent $730,000 lobbying the federal government on health care issues in the first quarter.
The company lobbied on funding for the Food and Drug Administration, which reviews the safety and effectiveness of all U.S. pharmaceuticals.
Lobbyists also pushed for more funding for kidney disease awareness. Baxter markets the blood thinner heparin which is used by kidney patients to prevent clotting during dialysis.
Earlier this year Baxter recalled all of its heparin vials due to contamination that has been linked to 81 deaths and hundreds of allergic reactions. The FDA has said it suspects the problems stem from a contaminant found in raw heparin imported from China. But Chinese officials say it is too early to tell and have accused the U.S. of blocking its attempts to investigate the problems.
The company also lobbied on free trade agreements with Korea and international protections for drug patents.
Along with Congress Baxter lobbied the Department of Commerce, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Homeland Security.
Deerfield, Ill.-based Baxter disclosed its lobbying spending in a form filed with the Senate's office of public records April 18.
