Baxter receives FDA clearance for V-Link

Baxter Healthcare has received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its V-Link Luer-activated device (LAD) with VitalShield coating.

The pharmaceutical company states that V-Link is the first needleless IV connector containing anti-microbial coating.

The FDA’s approval follows studies which show the technology to kill 99.9 per cent of specific common pathogens known to cause catheter-related blood stream infections including MRSA.

Baxter has stated that it plans to launch the V-Link device in the US from the beginning of 2008 with its introduction to global markets set to occur later in the year.

Camille Farhat, general manager of Global Infusion Systems – part of Baxter’s Medication Delivery business, expressed her pleasure over the FDA’s decision.

“This innovative technology represents the latest achievement in Baxter’s long-standing history of bringing clinical practice-changing IV systems to market.”

She went on to confirm that the technology would provide healthcare professionals with a “greater ability” to combat pathogens and make healthcare facilities safer environments for both patients and clinicians.

Last month, Baxter was named the 2007 Medical Products Industry Leader of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, marking the sixth time it has topped the index since its conception in 1999.