NYT: Counterfeit Heparin Likely Altered Chondroitin Sulfate

The NYT is reporting that the heparin-like molecule found in batches of Baxter's recalled heparin is probably an over-sulfated version of chondroitin sulfate. Chondroitin sulfate, an essential component of animal cartilage that is marketed as a nutritional supplement for joint pain, was intentionally altered with additional sulfate groups to confer anticoagulant properties to the molecule. How, when, or where the ersatz heparin was mixed into Baxter's product and whether the altered chondroitin sulfate is reponsible for the reported allergic reactions remain unknown.

Chemical structures of heparin (left) and chondroitin sulfate (right) are shown (source: Wikimedia Commons).