Last reviewed · How we verify
UFH (unfractionated heparin)
UFH inhibits blood coagulation by enhancing the activity of antithrombin III, which inactivates thrombin and other clotting factors.
UFH inhibits blood coagulation by enhancing the activity of antithrombin III, which inactivates thrombin and other clotting factors. Used for Prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism, Acute coronary syndrome, Atrial fibrillation for stroke prevention.
At a glance
| Generic name | UFH (unfractionated heparin) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris |
| Drug class | Anticoagulant |
| Target | Antithrombin III (enhancer); Thrombin (Factor IIa) and Factor Xa (indirect inhibition) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Unfractionated heparin is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan that binds to antithrombin III and dramatically accelerates its inhibition of factors IIa (thrombin) and Xa, as well as other serine proteases in the coagulation cascade. This prevents the formation of fibrin clots and is used for both treatment and prevention of thrombotic events. UFH has a short half-life and requires continuous intravenous infusion or frequent subcutaneous dosing, with anticoagulant effects that are rapidly reversible.
Approved indications
- Prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism
- Acute coronary syndrome
- Atrial fibrillation for stroke prevention
- Pulmonary embolism treatment
Common side effects
- Bleeding
- Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)
- Thrombosis
- Osteoporosis (with prolonged use)
- Hyperkalemia
Key clinical trials
- Ultrasound-facilitated, Catheter-directed, Thrombolysis in Intermediate-high Risk Pulmonary Embolism (PHASE4)
- AntiThrombotic Therapy to Ameliorate Clinical Complications in Community Acquired Pneumonia (PHASE3)
- Safety of Antithrombotic Heparin Proteoglycan Mimetic APAC in Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease and Chronic Limb-threatening Ischemia (PHASE2)
- Adaptive Platform Trial for Personnalisation of Sepsis Treatment in Children and Adults: a Multi-national, Treatable Traits-guided, Adaptive, Exploratory, Bayesian Basket Trial (PHASE2)
- Impact of Pre-Hospital Heparin Loading in STEMI Patients for Primary PCI: The HELP-PCI 2 Trial (NA)
- HEPARINS: INTERFERENCE IN ARGATROBAN MEASUREMENT
- Comparison of Two Pulmonary Embolism Treatments (NA)
- Nebulised Heparin in Patients With Severe COVID-19 (PHASE2, PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- UFH (unfractionated heparin) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- UFH (unfractionated heparin) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris portfolio CI