In vitro and in vivo investigation of low molecular weight heparin-alginate beads for oral administration.

Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and standard heparin are widely used anticoagulants. However, they have very poor oral bioavailability and have to be administered by the parenteral route. Alginates are biodegradable, biocompatible and mucoadhesive polymers which can be used for advantage for the oral administration of LMWH.