IBC’s 11th Annual International Symposium: Advances in Anticoagulant, Antithrombotic and Thrombolytic Drugs

This is a overview of the proceedings at three different yet related IBC International Symposiums, which have been grouped together for convenience. Remarkable progress in the development of newer anticoagulant, antiplatelet and thrombolytic agents has occurred over the past decade. Understanding of the pathogenesis of thrombotic and vascular disorders has greatly facilitated these developments to target blood vessels, platelets and the protease networks involving the coagulation, thrombolytic, fibrinolytic and the integrin systems. Improved processing from the natural sources, biotechnology and organic chemistry strategies played a major role in these developments. Such drugs as the low molecular weight heparin, oral unfractionated heparin (UFH), synthetic heparin, antithrombin agents, newer antiplatelet agents (clopidogrel, GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors) and several improved thrombolytic agents have been introduced for clinical use. Many of the important drugs, such as the low molecular weight heparin, antithrombin, anti-Xa agents and biotechnology-derived therapeutic agents were discussed. Additionally, this years meeting has continued to provide a positive interaction between industry, academia and the clinical community.