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.