Experimental and clinical validation of the prophylactic antithrombotic effects of a low molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin).

Several LMWHs are currently available for commercial use. The development status of each of these products in the area of prophylaxis, therapeutics, and other indications is given in Table 4. Enoxaparin and Fraxiparin appear to be the most developed LMWHs in both the surgical and medical areas. Many well-designed clinical trials have been carried out for different clinical indications with both of these products. As demonstrated in both experimental and clinical settings, the prophylactic antithrombotic efficacy of Enoxaparin is distinct from other LMWHs. This agent has provided consistently impressive clinical results. However, at comparable dosages, other products have exhibited safety or efficacy profiles different from those of Enoxaparin. It is therefore justified to comment that the clinical performance of each LMWH is characteristic of only that particular agent. It can be stated that, provided proper developmental approaches, these agents will more than likely be the drugs of choice for the prophylaxis and therapy of thrombotic disorders. On the other hand, inadequate basic knowledge may result in the development of products with unknown safety or efficacy profiles whose introduction in clinical medicine may become related to problematic situations.