1. Heparin Binds Plasma Proteins; Angiomax® (bivalirudin) Binds Specifically to Thrombin
Heparin (long strand) binds to other plasma proteins (colored molecules) and platelets, reducing heparin’s availability to bind to AT.
Heparin-binding proteins are elevated in acute coronary syndromes (ACS).
Angiomax (bright blue) binds only to thrombin (orange).
Angiomax is not neutralized by other plasma proteins or platelets; it remains fully active near thrombus.
Key Message: Angiomax binding is specific to thrombin.
The left panel shows that heparin (depicted as the long strand) binds to other plasma proteins (depicted as colored molecules) and platelets, and reduces heparin’s availability to bind to AT. Heparin-binding proteins are elevated in acute coronary syndromes.
Angiomax (depicted as bright blue) binds only to thrombin (depicted as orange). Angiomax is not neutralized by other plasma proteins or platelets and it remains fully active near thrombus.
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