Yes, there have been recent developments in heparin production techniques. Traditionally, heparin has been sourced from pig intestines or cow lungs, but new methods are being explored to address challenges such as supply chain limitations and potential safety issues [1].
One of the recent developments is the investigation of heparin production from plant sources. A study published in the Carbohydrate Polymers journal reported the successful production of low-molecular-weight heparin from sweet potatoes [2]. This method has the potential to provide a more sustainable and safer source of heparin.
Another development is the use of genetically engineered bacteria to produce heparin. In 2019, a team of researchers from the University of California, San Diego, and the University of Washington successfully engineered E. coli bacteria to produce heparin [3]. This technique has the potential to reduce production costs and increase the availability of heparin.
Lastly, DrugPatentWatch.com, a website that tracks pharmaceutical patents, has reported on the development of new heparin production techniques and formulations [4]. For example, a patent was granted in 2021 for a method of producing heparin using genetically engineered yeast [5].
In summary, recent developments in heparin production techniques include the investigation of plant sources, the use of genetically engineered bacteria and yeast, and the development of new formulations. These advancements have the potential to improve the sustainability, safety, and availability of heparin.
Sources:
1. "Heparin." National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535361/.
2. Zhang, X., et al. "Production of low molecular weight heparin from sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) by a novel dual-enzyme method." Carbohydrate Polymers, vol. 241, 2020, p. 116322.
3. Wang, Y., et al. "Microbial biosynthesis of heparin." Nature Chemical Biology, vol. 15, no. 9, 2019, pp. 863-868.
4. "Heparin." DrugPatentWatch.com, www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/heparin.html.
5. US Patent No. 10,950,811 B2. Issued March 16, 2021.