Baxter International
An American multinational healthcare company supplying hospital, infusion, surgical, pharmaceutical, and renal-care products.
Last updated August 21, 2026
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Overview
Baxter International is an American multinational healthcare company whose products are used in hospitals, outpatient facilities, surgical settings, pharmacies, and home-care environments. Its historic portfolio has centered on intravenous therapy, infusion systems, dialysis, injectable pharmaceuticals, surgical products, and equipment used to monitor or support patients with acute and chronic conditions. The company is headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, and operates internationally through manufacturing, research, distribution, and commercial organizations. Donald Baxter founded the company in 1931 as a manufacturer and distributor of intravenous therapy solutions. The business expanded beyond its original Los Angeles base after opening a plant in Glenview, Illinois, in 1933. Ralph Falk acquired Baxter's interest in 1935 and established a more formal research-and-development capability. Early technical milestones included a vacuum blood-collection container introduced in 1939, which extended the practical storage life of collected blood, and an artificial-kidney system introduced in the 1950s. These developments helped define Baxter's long-term identity as a supplier of products supporting fluid management, blood treatment, renal replacement, and hospital care. Baxter internationalized its operations during the 1950s and subsequently broadened its business through acquisitions and internal development. The 1985 merger with American Hospital Supply created one of the largest US medical-supply companies of the period and supported a strategy of offering hospitals a broad range of products. During the 1980s and 1990s, Baxter also participated in blood products, vaccines, pharmaceuticals, home infusion, and other healthcare services. Some activities were later divested or separated, including Caremark International, which was spun off in 1992, and the biopharmaceutical business Baxalta, which became an independent public company in 2015. In the 2010s and early 2020s, Baxter emphasized medical products, infusion technologies, pharmaceuticals, surgical products, connected-care systems, and patient-monitoring or hospital-support technologies. Acquisitions such as Gambro, Baxa, Claris Injectables, Seprafilm, and Hillrom expanded its renal, medication-management, injectable, surgical, and connected-care capabilities. Baxter also announced the sale of its biopharma solutions business in 2023 and agreed in 2024 to divest its kidney-care business, Vantive, to Carlyle. These transactions represented a continuing effort to focus the portfolio around hospital products, therapies, and technology-enabled care. Baxter's business has also been affected by product-safety, manufacturing, regulatory, and legal controversies. Historical issues have included contaminated blood products, the Althane dialysis-related deaths, the 2008 heparin contamination crisis, infusion-pump recalls, and allegations connected with anti-boycott and home-infusion practices. In 2024, flooding from Hurricane Helene disrupted production at the company's Marion, North Carolina, facility, a major US source of intravenous fluids. The interruption contributed to national IV-fluid shortages and led hospitals to conserve supplies while production was gradually restored. Baxter remains an active listed healthcare company, with its brand associated particularly with infusion, hospital, surgical, pharmaceutical, and renal-care products.
History
Baxter International began in 1931 when physician Donald Baxter established a Los Angeles business to manufacture and distribute intravenous therapy solutions. The company moved toward a broader manufacturing base by opening a Glenview, Illinois, plant in 1933. Ralph Falk acquired Baxter's interest in 1935 and strengthened the company’s research and development activities. In 1939, Baxter developed a vacuum-type blood-collection container that helped preserve blood for substantially longer periods than earlier systems. The company expanded outside the United States in 1954 with an office in Belgium. In 1956, it introduced a functioning artificial kidney, establishing an important connection between the Baxter name and renal replacement therapy. Baxter became a Fortune 500 company in 1971 and built a major plant in Ashdod, Israel, that same year. The Israeli operation later contributed to the company’s appearance on the Arab League boycott list during the early 1980s. Baxter pursued diversification through acquisitions during the 1980s and 1990s. It acquired Medcom in 1982 and merged with American Hospital Supply Corporation in 1985. The American Hospital Supply transaction significantly expanded Baxter's hospital-supply distribution and helped create a broad medical-products platform. Baxter also entered or expanded in vaccines, blood products, pharmaceuticals, and home infusion. Caremark International, its home-infusion subsidiary, was accused of paying physicians to refer patients to its services. Caremark was spun off in 1992 and later paid a substantial federal penalty in connection with a mail-fraud and kickback case. The company faced further controversy involving its international business and blood products. In 1993, Baxter pleaded guilty to a felony related to US anti-boycott law. In the mid-1990s, it reached a major settlement involving haemophiliac patients infected with HIV through contaminated clotting concentrates. Poor performance and the aftermath of an unsuccessful merger contributed to shareholder pressure on Vernon Loucks, who left the chief executive role after a long tenure during which Baxter's sales and workforce grew considerably. Baxter continued developing vaccines and hospital therapies in the 2000s. In 2001, the Althane dialysis disaster was associated with more than 50 sudden deaths among kidney-failure patients in several countries, leading to intense scrutiny of the product range and its manufacturing. In 2008, contaminated heparin supplied through a Chinese subcontracting chain was linked by US authorities to deaths and severe allergic reactions. Baxter recalled affected products, suspended production, and participated in investigations into the raw material. The company announced in 2009 that it had completed the first commercial H1N1 influenza vaccine using cell-based technology. It also faced product-liability and regulatory actions, including a 2010 order to recall Colleague infusion pumps after numerous recalls and reported deaths. Baxter acquired Baxa in 2011, sold its US generic injectables business to Hikma Pharmaceuticals that year, received European approval for its Gambro acquisition in 2013, and completed the Gambro transaction in 2014. A major strategic reorganization followed. Baxter announced in 2014 that its biopharmaceutical activities would be separated from its medical-products activities. Baxalta became an independent company in 2015, while Baxter retained the medical-products identity. Baxter also exited the commercial vaccines business, transferring its portfolio to Pfizer. It subsequently acquired Claris Injectables in 2016 and Seprafilm from Sanofi in 2019. The Hillrom acquisition, announced in 2021 and completed later that year, expanded Baxter into connected care, patient support, monitoring, and hospital technologies. In 2023, Baxter agreed to sell its biopharma solutions business to private-equity buyers. In 2024, it agreed to divest Vantive, its kidney-care unit, to Carlyle. Also in 2024, Hurricane Helene flooded Baxter's Marion, North Carolina, facility, disrupting a major portion of US IV-fluid production and causing nationwide supply pressures. Partial manufacturing resumed later that year, but hospitals continued conservation measures during the recovery. Baxter's present portfolio therefore reflects both its historic strengths in infusion and renal care and a broader emphasis on surgical, pharmaceutical, hospital-technology, and connected-care products.
- 2024
North Carolina IV-fluid facility disrupted
[1]Hurricane Helene flooding disrupted production at Baxter's Marion facility and contributed to US IV-fluid shortages.
- 2021
Hillrom acquisition completed
[1]Baxter completed its acquisition of Hillrom, adding connected-care and hospital-technology capabilities.
- 2015
Baxalta becomes independent
[1]The biopharmaceutical business began trading independently as Baxalta, while Baxter retained its medical-products operations.
- 2014
Baxalta separation announced
[1]Baxter announced plans to separate its biopharmaceutical operations from its medical-products company.
- 2009
Cell-based H1N1 vaccine completed
[1]Baxter announced completion of a commercial H1N1 vaccine made with cell-based rather than egg-based technology.
- 2008
Heparin contamination crisis
[1]Baxter recalled heparin products and suspended manufacturing after contaminated raw material was linked to deaths and severe allergic reactions.
- 2001
Althane dialysis disaster
[1]A series of patient deaths in multiple countries was associated with Althane hemodialysis equipment and prompted major scrutiny.
- 1992
Caremark spun off
[1]Baxter separated its home-infusion subsidiary Caremark International as an independent company.
- 1985
American Hospital Supply merger
[1]Baxter merged with American Hospital Supply Corporation, substantially enlarging its medical-supply platform.
- 1956
Artificial-kidney system introduced
[1]Baxter introduced what the historical record describes as the first functioning artificial kidney.
Products and positioning
A global healthcare-products supplier focused on therapies and technologies that support hospital care, infusion and medication delivery, surgery, pharmaceuticals, and renal treatment.
Infusion and hospital products · 1931
Intravenous solutions and infusion therapies
Baxter's historic and widely recognized product area includes IV fluids, administration sets, containers, and technologies for delivering fluids, nutrition, and medicines. These products are used across hospitals, clinics, emergency care, and other treatment settings. The category has remained central to the company's identity and has also made Baxter strategically important to national hospital supply chains.
Infusion technology
Infusion pumps
Baxter develops infusion-pump systems designed to control the delivery of fluids and medications. The products support clinical workflows in hospitals and other care environments, although the company's pump portfolio has also been subject to significant regulatory scrutiny and recalls, including the Colleague pump recall in 2010.
Renal therapy · 1956
Renal-care and dialysis products
Renal products include hemodialysis equipment and supplies, peritoneal-dialysis therapies, and related treatment consumables. Baxter's involvement in artificial-kidney development and dialysis equipment dates back to the 1950s. The kidney-care business was later organized as Vantive and became the subject of a planned divestiture announced in 2024.
Hospital pharmaceuticals
Injectable pharmaceuticals
Baxter's pharmaceutical activities include hospital injectables and differentiated medicines used in areas such as pain management, critical care, anti-infective treatment, oncology, and anesthesia. The company expanded this capability through acquisitions and partnerships, including the purchase of Claris Injectables.
Surgical technologies
Surgical products
The surgical portfolio includes products intended to support tissue management, hemostasis, adhesion prevention, and operating-room procedures. Seprafilm, acquired from Sanofi, is an example of a surgical product added through portfolio expansion. Baxter also describes advanced surgery as a business focused on improving surgical technique, efficiency, and outcomes.
Healthcare technology · 2021
Hillrom care and connectivity systems
The Hillrom business broadened Baxter's offering into patient beds, monitoring, virtual-care support, connected-care systems, and technologies that help hospitals coordinate clinical information and workflows. These products complement Baxter's consumables and therapies by addressing the physical and digital infrastructure of patient care.
Controversies
2024
Hurricane Helene IV-fluid supply disruption
Flooding at Baxter's Marion, North Carolina, plant interrupted production at a facility responsible for a large share of US IV-fluid supply, creating shortages and forcing hospitals to ration or conserve fluids.
2010
Colleague infusion-pump recall
The FDA ordered a recall of Baxter's Colleague infusion pumps following numerous prior recalls and reported deaths associated with the devices.
2008
Heparin contamination
Heparin products linked to Baxter were associated by the FDA with deaths and severe allergic reactions. Investigators identified a contaminated raw material in the supply chain, after which Baxter initiated a recall and suspended production.
2001
Althane dialysis disaster
More than 50 sudden deaths among kidney-failure patients in several countries were associated with Baxter's Althane hemodialysis equipment.
1996
Settlement involving HIV-contaminated haemophilia products
Baxter entered a major settlement concerning haemophilia patients, including Japanese patients, who contracted HIV after using contaminated blood-clotting concentrates.
1993
Anti-boycott law violation
Baxter pleaded guilty to a felony related to US anti-boycott law after allegations concerning its international facilities and dealings connected with the Arab League boycott.
1975
Hemofil withdrawal after hepatitis association
Baxter and Travenol withdrew the clotting-factor product Hemofil after it was associated with an outbreak of hepatitis B.
Marketing campaigns
- 2014Dollars for Doers
Global
The Baxter International Foundation supported employee volunteering on healthcare, environmental, and education projects by contributing to community organizations connected with employee service.
Outcome. Employee-volunteering and community-support program.
- 2008Science@Work: Expanding Minds with Real-World Science
United States · Chicago
Baxter launched an education initiative supporting teacher training and student development in healthcare and biotechnology within Chicago Public Schools.
Outcome. Community education and workforce-development program.
Brand decisions
2024
Agree to divest VantiveM&ABackground
Baxter pursued portfolio focus while addressing the distinct capital and operating needs of kidney-care activities.
Action taken
The company agreed to sell its Vantive kidney-care business to Carlyle.
Aftermath
The planned transaction would separate Baxter's kidney-care operations from the remaining company.
announced transaction value. $3.8 billion (2024)
2023
Sell biopharma solutions businessM&ABackground
Baxter continued simplifying its portfolio and concentrating on core healthcare products and technologies.
Action taken
The company agreed to sell its biopharma solutions business to Warburg Pincus and Advent International.
Aftermath
The divestiture reduced Baxter's exposure to contract biopharmaceutical support services.
cash consideration. $4.25 billion (2023)
2021
Acquire HillromM&ABackground
Baxter aimed to add connected-care, patient-support, and hospital-technology capabilities to its therapies and products portfolio.
Action taken
Baxter agreed to acquire Hillrom and completed the transaction later in 2021.
Aftermath
The acquisition expanded Baxter into patient-care equipment, monitoring, connectivity, and digital hospital workflows.
announced transaction value. $12.4 billion announced; approximately $12.5 billion at completion (2021)
2014
Separate Baxalta from BaxterStrategyBackground
Baxter determined that its biopharmaceutical and medical-products businesses had distinct strategic and operating profiles.
Action taken
The company announced a separation, retaining the Baxter name for medical products and forming Baxalta as a standalone biopharmaceutical company.
Aftermath
Baxalta began trading independently in 2015 and was later acquired by Shire.
2014
Exit commercial vaccinesStrategyBackground
Baxter reassessed the role of vaccines within its reorganized portfolio.
Action taken
The company announced the sale of its commercial vaccine portfolio to Pfizer and explored options for its remaining vaccine research activities.
Aftermath
Vaccines became less central to Baxter's post-separation medical-products strategy.
1985
Merge with American Hospital SupplyM&ABackground
Baxter sought greater scale and a broader hospital-supply platform in the United States.
Action taken
Baxter merged with American Hospital Supply Corporation in a transaction described as creating a broad, integrated supplier for hospitals.
Aftermath
The merger substantially expanded Baxter's product range, distribution reach, and organizational scale.
Recent events
Reported
FDA approves Baxter’s premix norepinephrine formulation[3]
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Baxter’s premix Norepinephrine Bitartrate in 5% Dextrose Injection formulation.
Reported
Baxter commercially launches premix norepinephrine formulation[3]
Baxter commercially launched its ready-to-use premix Norepinephrine Bitartrate in 5% Dextrose Injection formulation, which is available in the U.S.
Reported
Baxter partners with Moderna on vaccine manufacturing[4]
Baxter International and its BioPharma Solutions division partnered with Moderna to provide fill/finish sterile manufacturing services and packaging for approximately 60–90 million doses of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine in 2021.
Sources4 sources
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