Do Heparin and Lovenox (enoxaparin) contain pig proteins?

Do Heparin and Lovenox Contain Pig Proteins?

Yes, both heparin and Lovenox (enoxaparin) are derived from porcine (pig) intestinal tissue and contain pig-derived proteins and polysaccharides, not just proteins but complex carbohydrate structures from porcine sources. 1

Source Material for Heparin Products

Unfractionated Heparin (UFH)

• Heparin is derived from porcine intestinal mucosa, as explicitly stated in FDA labeling: "Heparin Sodium Injection, USP is a sterile solution of heparin sodium derived from porcine intestinal mucosa." 1
• The drug consists of heterogeneous straight-chain anionic mucopolysaccharides (glycosaminoglycans) extracted directly from pig intestinal tissue. 1

Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins (Including Lovenox)

• Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is manufactured from porcine intestinal heparin through benzylation followed by alkaline depolymerization. 2
• All LMWHs are produced from heparin isolated from animal tissues, with the starting material being porcine intestine for commercially available products in the United States. 2
• The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis guidelines explicitly state that "the origin of the starting material (animal tissue and country of origin) of the originator and the biosimilar LMWH should be known, specified and identical." 2

Alternative Non-Porcine Anticoagulants

For patients with religious, cultural, or ethical restrictions against pork products, several synthetic alternatives exist:

Synthetic Direct Thrombin Inhibitors

• Argatroban is a synthetic direct thrombin inhibitor derived from L-arginine, not from animal sources. 2, 3
• Bivalirudin is another synthetic direct thrombin inhibitor available for patients requiring non-porcine anticoagulation. 3

Synthetic Factor Xa Inhibitors

• Fondaparinux is a synthetic pentasaccharide that does not contain any animal-derived components. 3, 4
• Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, and dabigatran are entirely synthetic. 3

Limited Animal-Derived Alternative

• Danaparoid sodium is derived from porcine intestine (containing heparan sulfate 84%, dermatan sulfate 12%, and chondroitin sulfate 4%), so it is also pork-derived and not suitable for patients avoiding pork products. 2, 3

Clinical Implications

For Patients Avoiding Pork Products

• Patients with religious restrictions (such as Islamic or Jewish dietary laws) or cultural preferences should be offered fondaparinux, argatroban, bivalirudin, or DOACs as alternatives. 3
• These synthetic alternatives provide effective anticoagulation without animal-derived components. 3, 4

Important Caveat About Bovine Sources

• While research has explored bovine (cow) intestinal and lung heparin as alternatives, these are not currently approved or available in the United States for pharmaceutical use. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
• Bovine heparins have different structural and functional properties compared to porcine heparins and would require separate regulatory approval. 7, 9

Manufacturing Consistency

• The American College of Chest Physicians emphasizes that LMWHs prepared by different depolymerization methods are not interchangeable, even when derived from the same porcine source. 2
• Biosimilar LMWHs must use identical animal tissue sources and manufacturing processes to ensure equivalence. 2