Complex structure of Heparin

Heparin can not be easily synthesized because of its complex structure! 

Recomparin is also expected to reduce dangerous side effects, such as uncontrolled bleeding, while providing the same benefits as naturally derived heparin.

“We proved we don’t really need that structure for the anticoagulant effect,” Liu said. “By eliminating the iduronic acid unit, we were able to reduce the structural complexity of the heparin molecule by approximately 50 percent.”

Customizable Heparin “Previously it was nearly impossible to change the nature of the heparin generated by the enzyme,” Liu says. “The degree of difficulty was ten-plus. Now it’s more like a two or three, which opens the door to the possibility of improving on the natural product.”There is also interest in heparin as a treatment for small-cell lung cancer, Liu says. Being able to produce customized versions of the heparin molecule using 2-O-sulfotransferase would allow researchers to emphasize the drug’s potential anti-cancer properties. Heparin-like structures have also shown potential as treatments for arthritis, asthma, and transplant rejection, among other conditions. In 2008, Liu and his colleagues developed a way to modify the enzyme heparan sulfate 2-O-sulfotransferase, which produces heparin in the human body in addition to other heparin-like molecules. By modifying 2-O-sulfotransferase, researchers will be able to create customized forms of synthetic heparin with different properties.