Semuloparin sodium explained

Semuloparin (INN, USAN) is an experimental antithrombotic being developed by Sanofi-Aventis and belongs to the group of low molecular weight heparins (LMWH).^[1] It has completed Phase III clinical trials for the prevention of thromboembolism following various kinds of surgery such as hip replacement, as well as for patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Like bemiparin, semuloparin is classified as an ultra-LMWH because of its low molecular mass of 2000 - 3000 g/mol on average. (Enoxaparin has 4500 g/mol) These heparins have lower anti-thrombin activity than classical LMWHs and act mainly on factor Xa, reducing the risk of bleeding.^{[2] [3]}

Notes and References

1. Gómez-Outes A, Suárez-Gea ML, Lecumberri R, Rocha E, Pozo-Hernández C, Vargas-Castrillón E . 36442831 . New parenteral anticoagulants in development . Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease . 5 . 1 . 33–59 . February 2011 . 21045018 . 10.1177/1753944710387808 .
2. Jeske WP, Hoppensteadt D, Gray A, Walenga JM, Cunanan J, Myers L, Fareed J, Bayol A, Rigal H, Viskov C . 6 . A common standard is inappropriate for determining the potency of ultra low molecular weight heparins such as semuloparin and bemiparin . Thrombosis Research . 128 . 4 . 361–7 . October 2011 . 21458847 . 10.1016/j.thromres.2011.03.001 .
3. http://www.ama-assn.org/resources/doc/usan/semuloparin-sodium.pdf Statement On A Nonproprietary Name Adopted By The Usan Council: Semuloparin Sodium