ASPR Partners with SLI Medical to Airlift IV Fluid into U.S.

Earlier this month, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) announced it has partnered with SLI Medical to airlift 40,000 cases of IV fluid into the U.S.

The airlift is meant to address the ongoing shortage of IV fluids manufactured at Baxter’s plant in North Carolina that was damaged by Hurricane Helene. The airlift was anticipated to start on Dec. 11. SLI Medical said it will transport the IV fluid from HK Inno.N, a publicly traded South Korean company.

“The airlift is part of a continuing whole-of-government effort to aid recovery from the hurricane.  The airlift capacity can expand to 21,000 cases per week, depending upon demand,” the release said.

“IV solutions are a vital medical product for hospital care," said Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O'Connell. “Disruptions in this supply chain can directly impact patient treatment, including critical care, and can lead to life-threatening situations. ASPR is committed to providing support while the IV fluid supply chain recovers following the impacts of Hurricane Helene."

The release added, “The product coming into the United States as part of this effort will be distributed through hospitals' traditional distributors. ASPR continues to collaborate with the FDA, the Department of Homeland Security, and aviation partners to rapidly bolster domestic supply of IV fluids. To expedite distribution when the product reaches the U.S., the federal government is prioritizing customs clearance.”

This airlift of IV fluids follows airlifts of Baxter's product in October and November, arriving in the U.S. from Baxter's international facilities—certain IV fluids continue to be in short supply.

HPN has been reporting on Baxter’s progress and recovery efforts as they unfold.