A team of scientists led by UNC’s Jian Liu have conducted research that could lead to the creation of a new version of the drug heparin.
Heparin is an anticoagulant often used to prevent blood clots, especially in patients who have just undergone procedures such as heart bypass surgery.
Liu, of the Eshelman School of Pharmacy, and his team of researchers published a paper last week detailing chemical processes that could make a cheaper, synthetic version of heparin.
Heparin sales are estimated at $4 billion worldwide and a new version could reduce side effects.
