Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is a natural agent widely used to prevent clot formation in vessels. Unfractionated heparin is a fast-acting blood thinner, which works with antithrombin, a natural protein in the body, to block clot formation. UFH is administered to patient intravenously into an arm vein or as a subcutaneous injection under the skin. UFH can also be administrated orally. However, oral absorption of unfractionated heparin is poor, owing to their size and anionic structure. UFH is not absorbed properly from the gastrointestinal tract when taken orally.

Unfractionated heparin is majorly used in deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with increased postoperative complications. Unfractionated heparin is the preferred treatment for patients at high risk of bleeding complications, owing to its short activity and reversibility and its reversible anticoagulant effect. Additionally, UTH offers various advantages over other types of heparin, owing to its ability to rapidly enter into the blood stream and less reliant to kidney for extraction. UTH is a preferred anticoagulant option for pregnant women, as it does not cross the placenta, and thus is considered as safe for the fetus.

Unfractionated Heparin Market Drivers

Growth of unfractionated heparin market is increasing, owing to the increasing incidence of thromboembolic disorders such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and among others. According to the data findings published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in February 2018, 900,000 people are affected (1 to 2 per 1,000) each year in the U.S. due to the deep venous thromboembolism and Pulmonary Embolism (DVT/PE). According to data published in the Circulation Research Journal: a journal of the American Heart Association, in 2016, the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) increases with increasing age. According to the same source, in the U.S., study estimated the age-stratified incidence showing 143 per 100000 among ages 40 to 49 years, 200 per 100 000 among ages 50 to 59 years, 391 per 100000 among ages 60 to 69 years, 727 per 100000 among ages 70 to 79 years, and 1134 per 100000 among ages ≥80 years. Additionally, the low awareness regarding the pulmonary embolism and deep-vein thrombosis showing the negligence towards the early diagnosis of these condition. Moreover, healthcare regularity organizations are engaged in increasing the awareness for the same, which will expected to drive the unfractionated heparin market in near future.

However, adverse effects of unfractionated heparin during treatment, poses as a major restraint for growth of the unfractionated heparin market. Heparin?induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), an adverse reaction occurring during treatment with heparin, is associated with inconsistent increase in the clotting causing further complications. For instance, according to the data published in American Society of Hematology in 2017, Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is heparin’s most clinically relevant non-hemorrhagic complication. Furthermore, adults receiving heparin formulation for medical or general surgical indications are at higher risk for HIT than pediatric or obstetric patients.

Moreover, cost-effectiveness of low-molecular weight heparin over the unfractionated heparin in venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention in critical illness, limits the adoption of unfractionated heparin. According to the data published in the Journal of American Medical Association (AMA), in November 2014, hospital costs per patient using low-molecular weight heparin were a median of US$ 39,508 compared with US$ 40,805 on unfractionated heparin. Moreover, low-molecular weight heparin was found to be more effective and least costly in treating VTE.

Unfractionated Heparin Market - Regional Analysis

On the basis of region, the unfractionated heparin market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Africa. North America holds a leading position in the global unfractionated heparin market, owing to increasing prevalence of deep venous thromboembolism and Pulmonary Embolism in the region. For instance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), February 2018 data findings, around 60,000 to 100,000 people are estimated to die due to DVT/PE, in the U.S. Moreover, 10% to 30% of people die within one month from diagnosis. Additionally, according to the same source, around 5% to 8% of the U.S. population has one of several genetic risk factors, such as inherited thrombophilias, which increases the risk for thrombosis.

Unfractionated Heparin Market Competitive Landscape

Some of the key players operating in the unfractionated heparin market are B. Braun Melsungen AG, Pfizer, Inc., Baxter International Inc., Siemens Ag, Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and LEO Pharma A/S.

Research advancements in unfractionated heparin are expected to create new applications in the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). A pilot study performed at the University of Portsmouth in December 2017, evaluated that, the use of inhaled nebulized unfractionated heparin is an effective treatment for moderate-to-severe COPD. Unfractionated heparin significantly improves the lung function and reduces labored breathing.

Unfractionated Heparin Market Taxonomy:

By Source