# Development of dekaparin to replace animal-sourced heparin

> **NIH NIH R44** · GLYCAN THERAPEUTICS CORPORATION · 2024 · $747,280

## Abstract

The goal of this proposal is to develop dekaparin, a synthetic glycan, to replace animal-derived
low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs). LMWHs are partially depolymerized natural products
of heparin, which are isolated from porcine intestine. A worldwide distribution of contaminated
heparin in 2007 was associated with 85 deaths in the US. This crisis revealed the vulnerability
of the LMWH supply chain. LMWHs are complex mixtures, having average molecular masses
of 3500-6000 Daltons, corresponding to 12-20 saccharide units. The efficient preparation of a
synthetic LMWH could improve the safety, availability and efficacy. However, the production of
homogeneous LMWHs has not been possible due to difficulties in the synthesis. Glycan
Therapeutics proposes to assess an innovative chemoenzymatic approach that would provide
an unprecedented efficiency in the preparation of heparin. Our product will be animal-free,
structurally homogenous, safe for renal-impaired patients, and have the ability of its
anticoagulant activity to be neutralized by protamine. In the presently proposed SBIR Phase IIB
grant application, we will conduct the synthesis of dekaparin under the GMP conditions and
complete the formulation, which will clear the IND requirements by FDA. Glycan Therapeutics
will also develop a 505(b)(2) regulatory strategy to shorten the regulatory pathway. The
completion of this project will modernize this century-old drug with improved safety and
anticoagulant properties.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10766662
- **Project number:** 2R44HL139187-04
- **Recipient organization:** GLYCAN THERAPEUTICS CORPORATION
- **Principal Investigator:** Vijayakanth Pagadala
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $747,280
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2017-08-01 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10766662

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10766662, Development of dekaparin to replace animal-sourced heparin (2R44HL139187-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10766662. Licensed CC0.

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