Summary
MDL 28,050 is a decapeptide antithrombin agent that inhibits a-thrombin-induced fibrin
clot formation by binding to a non-catalytic site on α-thromhin. It is the result
of chemical and structural optimization of a functional domain of the leech anticoagulant,
hirudin. In contrast to the contention that the polyanionic nature of this C-terminal
functional domain governs its interaction with α-thrombin, systematic study of this
region has shown the importance of the lipophilic residues for providing the functionality
necessary foi potent binding to a-thrombin. The development of MDL 28,050 and other
effective antithrombin agents are outlined through the description of the structure-activity
relationships (SAR) for these peptides. These peptides are effective in a variety
of in vitro and in vivo models of thrombosis.