sea cucumber glycosaminoglycan

Sea cucumber glycosaminoglycan (HGAG) is a novel sulfated polysaccharide biologic extracted from sea cucumbers, currently under clinical investigation by Harbin Taxus Bio-Pharmaceutical for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Chemically classified as a fucosylated chondroitin sulfate, HGAG exerts its therapeutic effects through potent anticoagulant and antithrombotic mechanisms. It primarily functions as a positive allosteric modulator of heparin cofactor II (HCII), significantly accelerating the inhibition of thrombin (Factor IIa). Additionally, it demonstrates inhibitory activity against Factor Xa. Unlike traditional heparin-based therapies, HGAG is reported to have a lower risk of hemorrhagic transformation, making it a promising candidate for improving neurological recovery and reducing disability in patients following an ischemic event.

Other names

fucosylated chondroitin sulfateSC-GAGsea cucumber fucan sulfated polysaccharide