Rivaroxaban--an oral, direct Factor Xa inhibitor--has potential for the management of patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Rivaroxaban is an oral, direct activated Factor Xa (FXa) inhibitor in advanced clinical development for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders. Currently available anticoagulants include unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs); however, their use can be restricted by heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). HIT is usually caused by the production of antibodies to a complex of heparin and platelet factor-4 (PF4).

Relative neutralization of the biological actions of sulfaminoheparosans (K5 derivatives) and heparins by protamine sulfate.

Biosynthetic, semisynthetic, and synthetic analogues of heparins are currently developed as substitute antithrombotic agents for heparin. Sulfaminoheparosan (SAH) represents a bacterial polysaccharide (K5)-derived antithrombotic polymer from which pharmacologically active products with varying molecular weights (5-25 kDa) can be derived. These agents have been shown to exhibit pharmacologic effects comparable to heparins.

Modulatory effects of Escherichia coli capsular-derived sulfaminoheparosans and heparins on tissue factor-mediated activation of platelets: flow cytometric analysis.

Sulfaminoheparosans (alternatively known as bioheparins) represent sulfated derivatives obtained from the K5 capsular polysaccharide of Escherichia coli. Previous studies have shown that these agents are structurally comparable to heparins and capable of exerting anticoagulant and antiprotease effects like heparins. Furthermore they are also able to release tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI).

Product individuality of commercially available low-molecular-weight heparins and their generic versions: therapeutic implications.

The currently available brand-name low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) in the United States include dalteparin (Pfizer), enoxaparin (Aventis), and tinzaparin (Pharmion). Other products available, in Europe, include certoparin (Novartis), reviparin (Abbott), nadroparin (GlaxoSmithkline), and parnaparin (Alpha-Wasserman). Each of these LMWHs has a characteristic molecular weight profile and biological activity in terms of an anti-FXa and anti-FIIa potency.

Differentiation of low-molecular-weight heparins: impact on the future of the management of thrombosis.

Low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) are now universally accepted as drugs of choice for postsurgical prophylaxis and treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Currently, these agents are also being developed for the treatment of various cardiovascular conditions. Because of manufacturing differences, each of the LMWHs exhibits distinct pharmacologic and biochemical profiles.

Molecular and pharmacologic profile of tinzaparin and a comparable low-molecular-weight bacterial sulfaminoheparosan.

Low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) represent depolymerized porcine mucosal heparin derivatives, which are commonly used for the management of thrombotic disorders. Because of their widespread usage, the supplies of the raw material namely unfractionated heparin are nearly exhausted. Porcine mucosal tissue is almost exclusively used for the preparation of these agents.