ABSTRACT
The heparins, unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) have
been used extensively in the prevention and treatment of both venous and arterial thrombo-
embolic disorders. At present, these agents must be given by the parenteral route either
subcutaneously or intravenously. The increasing use of the heparins and, in particular, LMWH
in the out-of-hospital setting has stimulated interest in the development of orally absorbable
antithrombotic agents, and this has renewed interest in the development of orally active heparin.
