2.1 Heparin preparations
Clinical LMWH: Innohep (tinzaparin
sodium, LEO Pharma), Clexane (enoxaparin sodium, Sanofi), Fragmin
(dalteparin sodium, Pfizer) and a porcine mucosal UFH (heparin sodium,
Wockhardt, UK [currently being investigated by nebulisation in a UK
human clinical trial]) were investigated. Further preparations
investigated were, a porcine mucosal UFH preparation (Celsus, USA) and
both a bovine lung heparin (Calbiochem) and a bovine mucosal heparin
(15/110, NIBSC, UK).
Specific activity for the Wockhardt and NIBSC bovine sample were
measured as described in the United States Pharmacopeia general
monograph for assay of heparin (U.S.P.). The molecular weights for the
UFH and LMWH samples were measured as previously described (Mulloy &
Hogwood, 2015). The specific activity of the clinical LMWHs was taken
from the clinical product information (Clexane, 100 IU/mg; Innohep, 100
IU/mg; Fragmin 130 IU/mg). The molecular weight and specific activity
for Celsus porcine mucosal heparin and bovine lung heparin were as
provided by the suppliers.