Heparinases for European Pharmacopoeia 9.0

As one of low-molecular-weight heparins (LWMHs), enoxaparin sodium has been manufactured as a generic anticoagulant under different brands, and regulators have been updating requirements. For example, the percentage of polysaccharide chains bearing 1,6-anhydro structure, is a big challenge for enoxaparin manufacturers, according to the test method specified in latest European Pharmacopoeia.

System suitability required by the European Pharmacopoeia Method:

– peak area ratio: maximum 1.15 for the peaks due to 1,6-anhydro ΔIS-IS and 1,6-anhydro ΔIS in the chromatogram obtained with reference solution (b);
– maximum 0.02 for the peaks due to ΔIS and reduced ΔIS in the chromatogram obtained with reference solution (c);
– resolution: minimum 1.5 between the peaks due to reduced ΔIA and 1,6-anhydro ΔIS in the chromatogram obtained with refer-ence solution (c);
– the content of 1,6-anhydro derivatives in enoxaparin sodium CRS is within 1.5 percent of the assigned content.

EP9.0 method 1097

To test the level of 1,6-anhydro species, a combination of heparinase I, heparinase II and heparinase III is used to degrade enoxaparin samples, followed by reduction via sodium tetrahydroborate. The degraded and reduced sample solutions are injected into a HPLC system for analysis.

To meet the system suitability requirements specified by European Pharmacopoeia, exhaustive depolymerization of enoxaparin samples is necessary. To achieve exhaustive depolymerization, enoxaparin manufacturers tend to use native heparinases with high purity and stability.

Through our experience in serving major enoxaparin manufacturers, Asnail has improved further native heparinases, making 1,6-anhydro derivative test for EP 1079 method more robust and confident. Now we lanuch these heparinases in separate SKUs.

To request a quote, please contact Asnail (info@asnailtech.com).

Besides, we are also developing SAX columns for determining 1,6-anhydro derivatives. Initial tests show good column performance, with the two peaks due to 1,6-anhydro ΔIS and 1,6-anhydro ΔISepi separated clearly. These SAX columns have been used by customers in China.

Significant Cost Reduction for Molecular Weight Determinations of Heparins

Asnail now offers SEC columns for molecular weight determinations that can reduce cost per injection to 1/4 or lower, compared to columns from other vendors.

BioCore SEC-HP columns
BioCore SEC-HP columns

Molecular weight (MW) and its distribution are important characteristics of heparin and low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs), a family of anticoagulants with polydisperse, heterogeneous polysaccharide chains.

Current compendial methods for heparin molecular weight determinations involve separation on size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) columns, followed by detection with refractive index detectors (RID). The resulting calibration curve relating log10(MW) to retention time can be obtained by 3rd order polynominal fitting.

Calibration curve of heparin
Calibration curve of heparin

While some SEC columns have been widely used in heparin industry before, they are subject to short life time. BioCore SEC-HP columns, a series of SEC columns tailored for heparin MW determinations, are used for MW determinations of heparin and LMWHs. The results show good performance which meets the system suitability required by the latest methods specified in pharmacopoeias. Besides, these columns show very long life time, without performance loss even after 100 injections, which can reduce cost per injection for heparin industry.

SEC chromatogram of heparin using BioCore SEC-300HP and SEC-500HP analytical columns
SEC chromatogram of heparin using BioCore SEC-300HP and SEC-500HP analytical columns
SEC chromatogram of low-molecular-weight heparin using BioCore SEC-150HP analytical column and and SEC-150 guard column
SEC chromatogram of low-molecular-weight heparin using BioCore SEC-150HP analytical column and and SEC-150 guard column

Product links

BioCore SEC-150HP Columns for Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins

BioCore SEC-300HP & SEC-500HP Columns for Unfractionated Heparins

Related documents

Asnail SEC Columns Catalog

Molecular Weight Determinations of Heparin and Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins