Anticoagulation strategies.
A number of individual presentations at this meeting dealt with the burgeoning field of anticoagulation strategies, and the fourth day (Wednesday) provided one of the most interesting symposia of the meeting, entitled 'Anticoagulation Strategies: Thrombin and Factor Xa Inhibition'. Chair RR Wexler (DuPont Merck, PA, USA) pointed out that classical anticoagulants, such as warfarin, suffer from poor oral bioavailability, lack of selectivity and short plasma half-life. In addition, there are safety issues, for instance, an increased risk of bleeding, and a large peak-to-trough ratio. Hirudin is a recently-approved thrombin inhibitor, but is suitable for parenteral administration only. New therapies are needed and many advances in this field were presented in the ensuing sessions.
Robins
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