Variability of heparins and heterogeneity of low molecular weight heparins

Chemical and physical characteristics, building blocks, constitutive disaccharides, sulfation degree, and biological activities of heparins (UFHs) and of low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) obtained by different depolymerization processes are examined comparatively in terms of structure characteristics, content of 1,6-anhydro rings, and other fingerprints. The heterogeneity of different LMWHs depends on different manufacturing processes and on particular specifications of pharmacopoeias. The reported examples prove that the variability among samples of LMWHs manufactured by the same process is quite limited. Most of the variability is derived from the parent UFH. In contrast, fingerprint groups and residues are specific to the depolymerization process and their extent can be roughly controlled through the process parameters.