Oral Heparin

The most common indication for heparin therapy is the prevention of blood clot formation following major surgical procedures lasting longer than 30 minutes. A variety of low molecular weight heparin products are indicated for prevention of Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) after hip or knee replacement surgery for patients undergoing abdominal surgery, and for patients who are at risk for DVT or pulmonary embolism formation due to severely restricted mobility.

Oral heparin could represent a significant opportunity for Emisphere and, in theory, would meet unmet market needs. However, realistically, at this stage in its development, it presents significant challenges. At this time, the Company is exploring strategic options that could be available for oral heparin.