Heparin News and Research

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Heparin, a highly-sulfated glycosaminoglycan, is widely used as an injectable anticoagulant, and has the highest negative charge density of any known biological molecule. It can also be used to form an inner anticoagulant surface on various experimental and medical devices such as test tubes and renal dialysis machines. Pharmaceutical grade heparin is derived from mucosal tissues of slaughtered meat animals such as porcine (pig) intestine or bovine (cow) lung.

Pharmacist-directed anticoagulation service improves quality of care for HIT patients

A Henry Ford Hospital study has found that a pharmacist-directed anticoagulation service improves the way medication is managed for patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, a common but life-threatening thromboembolic disorder.

9 Feb 2011

CVT more common than previously thought, disproportionally affects pregnant women

A rare and often underreported form of stroke that involves veins instead of arteries is more common than previously thought, according to the American Heart Association's first scientific statement on diagnosing and managing cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT).

4 Feb 2011

Isis commences ISIS-FXIRx Phase 1 study for treatment of clotting disorders

Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the initiation of a Phase 1 study of ISIS-FXIRx, an antisense drug designed to treat clotting disorders. ISIS-FXIRx inhibits the production of Factor XI, a clotting factor that is an important component of the coagulation pathway. Because of its role in the intrinsic coagulation pathway, inhibition of Factor XI could offer an effective approach for preventing the formation of blood clots with a lower risk of bleeding.

2 Feb 2011

Scientist identifies natural signaling molecule that can prevent Hemophilia A

A scientist from The Scripps Research Institute has identified a new role for a natural signaling molecule in preventing blood clot formation. The molecule could become a target for the development of novel and cost-effective treatments for blood clotting diseases such as Hemophilia A.

1 Feb 2011

New GORE VIABAHN Endoprosthesis is now available in Europe

W. L. Gore & Associates today announced the European availability of the GORE VIABAHN Endoprosthesis on a lower profile delivery system. The announcement came during the Leipzig Interventional Course in Germany, where European interventionalists gathered to discuss new approaches in treating patients suffering from peripheral artery disease.

19 Jan 2011

Bayer's SAFYRAL oral contraceptive receives FDA approval

Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new oral contraceptive (OC), SAFYRAL™ (drospirenone 3 mg/ ethinyl estradiol 30 mcg/ levomefolate calcium 451 mcg tablets and levomefolate calcium 451 mcg tablets). In women who choose an OC for birth control, SAFYRAL raises folate levels for the purpose of reducing the risk of rare neural tube defects (NTDs) in a pregnancy conceived while taking SAFYRAL or shortly after discontinuing it.

17 Dec 2010

Gen-Probe announces GTI Diagnostics acquisition from Riverside Company

Gen-Probe Incorporated announced today that the Company has acquired GTI Diagnostics, a privately held specialty diagnostics company focused on the transplantation, blood bank and specialty coagulation markets, for $53 million in cash.

17 Dec 2010

Firefly enzyme offers new medical imaging agent for blood clot detection

The enzyme that makes fireflies glow is lighting up the scientific path toward a long-sought new medical imaging agent to better monitor treatment with heparin, the blood thinner that millions of people take to prevent or treat blood clots, scientists are reporting. Their study appears in the ACS' monthly journal Bioconjugate Chemistry.

9 Dec 2010

New research focusing on VTE presented at ASH Annual Meeting

The latest advances in the treatment of bleeding and clotting disorders will be presented today at the 52nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology, focusing on venous thrombeombolism, a potentially life-threatening disorder in which abnormal blood clots form in the veins and restrict the flow of blood. New studies examine risk-prediction models and cutting-edge treatment options for patients with VTE.

6 Dec 2010

Preclinical study results for Syk, JAK inhibitor program presented at ASH 2010

Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced the presentation of preclinical study results for its novel Syk and JAK inhibitor program at the American Society of Hematology's 52nd Annual Meeting and Exposition. Portola's novel Syk and JAK inhibitors are in development to treat chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, and certain cancers, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

6 Dec 2010

UMass, PolyMedix receive Phase 2 STTR contract to conduct test on antimicrobial compounds

PolyMedix, Inc., an emerging biotechnology company focused on developing new therapeutic drugs to treat infectious diseases and acute cardiovascular disorders, and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (UMass), have received a Phase 2 Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) contract in the amount of $750,000.

17 Nov 2010

PolyMedix presents data on PMX-60056 Phase 1B/2 studies for blood clotting at American Heart Association

PolyMedix, Inc, an emerging biotechnology company focused on developing new therapeutic drugs to treat life-threatening infectious diseases and acute cardiovascular disorders, announced that data from two Phase 1B/2 clinical studies with PMX-60056 were presented today, in oral and poster sessions, at the Annual American Heart Association Scientific Sessions Meeting. PMX-60056 is a synthetic, small-molecule designed to reverse the anti-clotting effects of both heparin and low molecule weight heparin (LMWH).

16 Nov 2010

Results of RE-LY trial evaluating Pradaxa capsules to be presented at American Heart Association Session

Results of two pre-specified sub-study analyses of the 18,113 patient RE-LY trial, involving the newly approved oral anticoagulant Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate mesylate) capsules, will be presented at the American Heart Association's Annual Scientific Sessions on Monday, November 15, 2010.

12 Nov 2010

Researchers hope to prevent VTE complication in cancer patients

A major study is under way at The University of Nottingham which could lead to better prevention of a serious and sometimes fatal complication in cancer patients.

12 Nov 2010

ASN Annual Meeting to highlight six late-breaking clinical trials on nephrology

Six late-breaking clinical trials have been accepted for presentation next week during the American Society of Nephrology's 43rd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in Denver, CO. These trials were selected based upon their potential impact to the field of nephrology.

12 Nov 2010

PolyMedix receives FDA regulatory clearance for PMX-30063 IND application

PolyMedix, Inc. an emerging biotechnology company focused on developing new therapeutic drugs to treat infectious diseases and acute cardiovascular disorders, has received regulatory clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for PMX-30063, a synthetic defensin-mimetic antibiotic.

11 Nov 2010

PolyMedix announces publication of defensin-mimetic compounds in Molecular Oral Microbiology

PolyMedix, Inc. an emerging biotechnology company focused on developing new therapeutic drugs to treat infectious diseases and acute cardiovascular disorders, announced that data from two separate pre-clinical research studies were published in the December issue of Molecular Oral Microbiology.

10 Nov 2010

APP Drug Hotline to assist healthcare professionals with shortage issues

APP Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fresenius Kabi Pharmaceuticals Holding, Inc., announced today that it will launch the APP Drug Hotline on Wednesday, November 10, 2010. The APP Drug Hotline has been established to assist healthcare professionals with critical drug shortage issues.

7 Nov 2010

PolyMedix receives $488,958 grants under QTDP program

PolyMedix, Inc. a biotechnology company focused on developing new therapeutic drugs to treat infectious diseases and acute cardiovascular disorders, announced today that it has been awarded two cash grants totaling $488,958 under the U.S. Government's Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery Project (QTDP) program.

4 Nov 2010

Boehringer Ingelheim announces availability of PRADAXA in U.S. pharmacies

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced that its new oral anticoagulant, Pradaxa® (dabigatran etexilate mesylate) 150mg capsules, will be available starting Wednesday by prescription in pharmacies across the United States, including CVS/pharmacy, Rite Aid, Walmart, Target, Kmart® and The Kroger Co. In addition, leading independents under the Health Mart®, Good Neighbor Pharmacy® and Medicine Shoppe® banners will be stocked.

2 Nov 2010