Universal reversal for heparin

Titrating heparin treatment is a balancing act for hematologists trying to control blood coagulation without causing excessive bleeding. A synthetic heparin reversal agent from The University of British Columbia uses a dendritic polymer to neutralize the anticoagulant and could provide a lower-risk option for preventing bleeding during surgery than protamine, the standard of care.¹ The challenge will be finding an industry partner to help move the candidate into clinical trials.

Protamine is the only approved antidote for heparin-based therapies. The cationic peptide works by binding to heparins, which are negatively charged, to form a complex that lacks anticoagulant activity. However, protamine has a narrow therapeutic window, has an unpredictable dose response and can cause significant adverse effects including a sudden drop in peripheral blood pressure, pulmonary hypertension and bradycardia...