Argatroban

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Cat Number

API0231602

CAS Number

74863-84-6

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Product Detail Description Scientific Support Customer Q&A

CAS Number

74863-84-6

EINECS

638-764-8

Storage

Store at 2-8℃

Synonyms

Argatroban anhydrous; Novastan; Acova; Argatrobanum; MD-805; Argipidine

Molecular Formula

C23H36N6O5S

Molecular Weight

508.6

Smiles

C[C@@H]1CCN([C@H](C1)C(=O)O)C(=O)[C@H](CCCN=C(N)N)NS(=O)(=O)C2=CC=CC3=C2NCC(C3)C

Appearance

White to off-white crystalline powder

Melting Point

188-189℃

Boiling Point

801.3℃ at 760 mmHg

Relative Density

1.47

General Description

Argatroban is a synthetic direct thrombin inhibitor derived from L-arginine, approved for anticoagulation in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). It is administered intravenously, offering rapid onset and predictable dose-response without requiring antithrombin III as a cofactor. Unlike heparin, argatroban does not interact with platelet factor 4, making it safe in HIT.

Mechanism of Action

Argatroban reversibly binds to the catalytic active site of free and clot-bound thrombin, blocking fibrinogen cleavage into fibrin and preventing thrombus formation. By inhibiting thrombin, it also suppresses activation of factors V, VIII, and XIII, as well as platelet aggregation. This direct inhibition is competitive and does not depend on endogenous anticoagulant proteins. The drug has a short half-life (40–50 minutes), allowing rapid titration.

Application

Argatroban is indicated for prophylaxis or treatment of thrombosis in patients with HIT, including those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. It is also used off-label in acute ischemic stroke and as an alternative anticoagulant during cardiopulmonary bypass in HIT patients. Dosing requires adjustment in hepatic impairment but not in renal disease. Monitoring is done via aPTT, with therapeutic targets typically 1.5–3 times baseline.

In this phase 3 adaptive trial (514 patients, 57 U.S. sites), patients with acute ischemic stroke received intravenous thrombolysis within 3 hours of symptom onset and were randomized to argatroban, eptifibatide, or placebo within 75 minutes after thrombolysis initiation. At 90 days, the mean utility‑weighted modified Rankin scale scores were 5.2 (argatroban), 6.3 (eptifibatide), and 6.8 (placebo). Neither active treatment was better than placebo (posterior probabilities 0.002 and 0.041). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rates were similar (2–4%), but 90‑day mortality was higher in argatroban (24%) and eptifibatide (12%) groups than in placebo (8%). Adjunctive argatroban or eptifibatide does not reduce post‑stroke disability and increases mortality.

Fig. 1 Distribution of Modified Rankin Scale Scores at Day 90 According to Trial Group. (Adeoye O, et al., 2024)

References

Adeoye O, et al. Adjunctive Intravenous Argatroban or Eptifibatide for Ischemic Stroke. N Engl J Med. 2024;391(9):810-820.

Does Argatroban require refrigerated storage as a synthetic direct thrombin inhibitor?

Yes, it must be stored at 2-8°C. At room temperature, the compound is susceptible to thermal degradation, particularly epimerization at the piperidine ring.

Is Argatroban sensitive to light during handling and storage?

Yes, it is photosensitive. Store in light-resistant containers and protect from direct UV exposure to prevent photodegradation.

What is the stability of Argatroban after reconstitution for intravenous infusion?

Reconstituted solutions are stable for up to 24 hours at room temperature when protected from light, or up to 48 hours under refrigeration. We provide detailed in-use data.

How is the impurity argatroban epimer (S,S) monitored during stability?

This primary degradation product (the 21S-epimer) is specifically quantified using a stability-indicating chiral HPLC method, ensuring it remains within ICH limits.