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Updated: Jun 7, 2026
11:17
Rapid Point-of-Care Assay of Enoxaparin Anticoagulant Efficacy in Whole Blood
Published on: October 12, 2012
Heparin/heparan sulphate-based drugs.
Neha S Gandhi1, Ricardo L Mancera
1Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Western Australian Biomedical Research Institute, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia.
Drug Discovery Today
|October 27, 2010
Summary
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) offer novel drug development opportunities. This review covers heparin mimetics, including oligosaccharides and small molecules, in clinical trials for various therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Drug discovery and development
- Medicinal chemistry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) possess unique properties valuable for novel drug development.
- Understanding GAG-protein interactions facilitates the creation of GAG mimetics.
- Existing GAG-based drugs like Fondaparinux highlight therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review structurally defined heparin-mimetic oligosaccharides and small molecules.
- To highlight agents currently in development or clinical trials.
- To emphasize the potential of GAGs in drug discovery.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on GAG mimetics.
- Analysis of structurally defined heparin-mimetic oligosaccharides.
- Examination of small molecules in clinical development.
Main Results:
- Several heparin-mimetic oligosaccharides and small molecules are in clinical development.
- Modifications to sulphated GAGs are driving new mimetic development.
- GAG mimetics show promise as anti-angiogenic, anti-metastatic, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and anti-thrombotic agents.
Conclusions:
- GAGs represent a promising source for novel drug candidates.
- Heparin mimetics are advancing through clinical trials for diverse therapeutic uses.
- Continued research into GAG mimetics holds significant potential for future drug development.
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