Heparin and Low Molecular Weight Heparins

This course will be held on 25 and 26 October 2010 in the Netherlands, at the Regardz Berghotel, Amersfoort.

Course Introduction and Aims

Unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparin are two of the most widely used parenteral anticoagulants. The main clinical indication for these two drugs is the prevention and treatment of venous thrombosis. In 2005, approximately 79,900 prescriptions of low molecular weight heparin were dispensed in England alone; this equated to £8.2 million. Heparin is a naturally occurring polysaccharide with a complex but not chaotic structure. Its position as a non-protein biological is unusual, making its clinical and commercial success all the more remarkable. The development of low molecular weight heparins and other heparin derivatives and mimetics has added the prospect of an expanding and exciting future.

The use of heparin is increasing worldwide and current developments in its manufacture include the consequences of patent expiry for some low molecular weight heparin products, and the development of new products designed to exploit potentially useful non-anticoagulant properties of heparin. Recent contamination events have given rise to extensive revisions to pharmacopoeial monographs to ensure identity and purity of heparin products. This course will place particular emphasis on both the reasons for, and practical aspects of, the new methods introduced by these revisions.

Who should attend

The course is designed primarily for industrial and academic scientists engaged in the field of heparin as a therapeutic, and particularly in development, production, purification, characterisation, quality control, and also for professionals involved in the licensing and regulation of products of these type.

Course Topics

This intensive post-experience course covers the structure and mechanisms of action of heparin and low molecular weight heparins, including the characterisation and standardisation of current heparin products, with special emphasis on newly introduced pharmacopoeial methods for identity, purity and potency of unfractionated heparin. Other aspects covered will be side-effects and antidotes, generic and biosimilar low molecular weight heparins and new indications for heparin therapy, outside the thrombosis field.