Heparin-Binding Copolymer as a Complete Antidote for Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins in Rats

Bleeding resulting from the application of low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) may be treated with protamine sulfate, but this treatment lacks efficiency; its action against antifactor Xa activity is limited to ∼60%. Moreover, protamine sulfate can cause life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions. We developed diblock heparin-binding copolymer (HBC), which can neutralize the anticoagulant activity of parenteral anticoagulants. In the present study, we explored the safety profile of HBC and its potential to reverse enoxaparin, nadroparin, dalteparin, and tinzaparin in human plasma and at in vivo conditions. HBC-LMWH complexes were characterized using zeta potential, isothermal titration calorimetry, and dynamic light scattering. The rat cardiomyocytes and human endothelial cells were used for the assessment of in vitro toxicity. Male Wistar rats were observed for up to 4 days after HBC administration for clinical evaluation, gross necropsy, and biochemistry and histopathological analysis. Rats were treated with LMWHs alone or followed by short-time intravenous infusion of HBC, and bleeding time and antifactor Xa activity were measured. HBC completely reversed antifactor Xa activity prolonged in vitro by all LMWHs with an optimal weight ratio of 2.5:1. The complexes of HBC-LMWHs were below 5 µm. We observed no effects on the viability of cardiovascular cells treated with HBC at concentrations up to 0.05 mg/ml. Single doses up to 20 mg/kg of HBC were well tolerated by rats. HBC completely reversed the effects of LMWHs on bleeding time and antifactor Xa activity in vivo after 20 minutes and retained ∼80% and ∼60% of reversal activity after 1 and 2 hours, respectively. Well-documented efficacy and safety of HBC both in vitro and in vivo make this polymer a promising candidate for LMWHs reversal. Over the last decade, there has been significant progress in developing antidotes for the reversal of anticoagulants. Until now, there has been no effective and safe treatment for patients with severe bleeding under low-molecular-weight heparin therapy. Based on our in vitro and in vivo studies, heparin-binding copolymer seems to be a promising candidate for neutralizing all clinically relevant low-molecular-weight heparins.