INTRODUCTION

Low molecular weight heparins are prepared from Heparin Sodium, USP, by partial depolymerization. LMWHs are polydisperse, i.e., they are made up of polysaccharide chains with a range of molecular weights. The MW distribution is a defining characteristic for each LMWH product. The USP contains specific monographs for LMWH products, including limits on molecular weight distribution parameters.