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Un-fractionated heparin
Unfractionated heparin inhibits blood coagulation by enhancing the activity of antithrombin III, which inactivates thrombin and other clotting factors.
Unfractionated heparin inhibits blood coagulation by enhancing the activity of antithrombin III, which inactivates thrombin and other clotting factors. Used for Acute venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism), Acute coronary syndrome, Atrial fibrillation for stroke prevention.
At a glance
| Generic name | Un-fractionated heparin |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Deutsches Herzzentrum Muenchen |
| Drug class | Anticoagulant |
| Target | Antithrombin III (enhancer); Thrombin (Factor IIa) and Factor Xa (indirect inhibition) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan that binds to antithrombin III and dramatically increases its ability to inhibit thrombin (Factor IIa) and Factor Xa. This prevents the formation of fibrin clots and the extension of existing thrombi. UFH has a rapid onset of action and is used for acute anticoagulation in various thrombotic conditions.
Approved indications
- Acute venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism)
- Acute coronary syndrome
- Atrial fibrillation for stroke prevention
- Perioperative thromboprophylaxis
- Extracorporeal circulation anticoagulation
Common side effects
- Bleeding
- Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)
- Thrombosis
- Osteoporosis (with prolonged use)
- Hyperkalemia
Key clinical trials
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:
- Un-fractionated heparin CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Un-fractionated heparin updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Deutsches Herzzentrum Muenchen portfolio CI