Bemiparin: second-generation, low-molecular-weight heparin for treatment and prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism.
Low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) form a heterogeneous group of compounds that exhibit an extended range of pharmacodynamic profiles and, potentially, different anti-thrombotic properties. Bemiparin has the lowest MW (3600 Da), the longest half-life (5.3 h) and the highest anti-FXa/anti-FIIa activity ratio (8:1) of any second-generation LMWH. The safety and efficacy of bemiparin has been demonstrated in several studies and it is currently licensed for treatment and prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE), as well as for the prevention of clotting in the extracorporeal circuit during hemodialysis. In particular, bemiparin is the only LMWH licensed in Europe for starting thromboprophylaxis after either general or orthopedic surgery. Results from multicenter pharmacoeconomic studies in the Spanish Health Care System indicate that bemiparin is more cost effective than enoxaparin for the prevention of VTE in total knee replacement and may be a safe, cost-saving alternative to unfractionated heparin in the short-term treatment of VTE, and a safe cost-neutral alternative to oral anticoagulant therapy in long-term treatment. In the near future, information from ongoing clinical trials could be key to establishing the potential of bemiparin in different clinical settings.
Martínez-González
José
J
Cardiovascular Research Center (CSIC-ICCC), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Sant Antoni Maria Claret #167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain. jmartinez@csic-iccc.org
Vila
Luis
L
Rodríguez
Cristina
C
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D065427:Factor Xa Inhibitors; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006207:Half-Life; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011516:Prothrombin / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control
D065427:Factor Xa Inhibitors; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D011516:Prothrombin; C025337:Factor IIa; C411345:bemiparin