Fresenius Reviews Production Options Post Hurricane Helene

FRANKFURT (Reuters) – Germany's Fresenius is exploring options to accelerate the launch of new infusion-solution production lines at a North Carolina facility. This move aims to alleviate potential shortages caused by Hurricane Helene impacting rival Baxter's North Cove site in the same state.

"We are working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Drug Shortage Staff, which is actively engaged with Baxter and other manufacturers" to determine necessary capacity increases, Fresenius stated.

The healthcare group reported that its generic hospital drugs unit Fresenius Kabi recently began manufacturing IV solutions at a new plant in Wilson, North Carolina, and is evaluating ways to expedite additional production lines in the unaffected location.

Hurricane Helene hit the Florida Gulf coast in late September, causing significant destruction across several southeastern U.S. states, including damaged roads and homes, and severed communication lines. The aftermath left hundreds unaccounted for and many confirmed dead.

On September 29, Baxter announced its North Cove facility was affected by flooding related to the hurricane and was temporarily closed. The company is collaborating with the government to assess damage and expedite the plant's reopening.