Abstract: Ophthalmic solutions containing arabinogalactans with a protective activity on the corneal epithelium, particularly suitable for use as artificial tears stimulating the recovery of corneal lesions and also particularly useful for contact lens users, containing from 1% to 10% by weight of arabinogalactan in an aqueous solution and possible other excipients, among which tonicity-adjusting agents, pH correctors, buffers and preservatives, except for benzalkonium chloride. The compositions according to the invention have a virtually negligible viscosity, but are sufficiently mucoadhesive to assure a considerable permanence time in the area of application. Besides being well-tolerated, the aforesaid compositions have considerable re-epithelization capacity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multimicrolamellar membranes of collagen of several types and structures (e.g. collagen type I, type II, type III, etc.), of only one type or two types in association, but more particularly of type I and type II collagen and/or of their mixture. The multimolecular arrangement is obtained by preparing the membrane in several steps involving the sequential addition of collagen gel layers. Membranes look thin, with a variable rough surface depending on the type of collagen used. Such membranes show a parallel horizontal lamellar microstructure and they can be soaked with different fluids, act as three-dimensional scaffold for cultured cells and are apt to be infiltrated and colonized by cells in vivo, therefore working as support suitable for direct, guided tissue regeneration. Moreover, the present invention relates to the preparation of said membranes from collagen gels and to the optimization of the preparation of collagen gel from tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of heparin oligosaccharides having a molecular weight?5050 Da and an anti-factor Xa activity?80 IU/mg, or their sodium salts, for preparing a medicament for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and associated pathologies and for preparing a medicament effective for the prevention and treatment of cerebral ischemia and pathologies related thereto whose treatment necessitates drugs able to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing high purity low molecular weight heparins with average molecular weight of between 2000 and 10000 daltons by the stages of forming an intermediate heparin benzethonium salt, from this latter a water soluble heparin ester, and of subjecting said ester to depolymerisation with bases to form said low molecular weight heparins, characterised in that at least said stage of heparin benzethonium salt formation is carried out on an inert adsorbent solid matrix of filtering material, or filter-aid, said low molecular weight heparins being finally subjected to a purification stage by reducing the impurities present with borohydride.

Abstract: A natural dermatan sulphate with antithrombinic activity in excess of 220 U/mg which comprises an oligosaccharide sequence with a high degree of sulfation, having formula (III) ##STR1## in which: n=integers 1 or 2; R.sub.4 =SO.sub.3, or H; R.sub.6 =H, or SO.sub.3 ; G=glucuronic acid: I--non-sulfated uronic acid, preferably glucuronic acid, is extracted from organs, and subsequently purified in mild operating conditions, at pH 5-7, isolation and fractionation being carried out with macroreticular ion exchange resins, having a particle size of less than 10 .mu..

Abstract: Process for the preparation of oligosaccharides by a controlled chemical depolymerization of natural polysaccharides, such as heparins, heparan sulfates, dermatan sulfates, chondroitinsulfates, hyaluronic acid, by a radicalic reaction in an aqueous solution, at a temperature ranging between 20.degree. and 70.degree. C., in the presence of a catalyst selected in the group consisting of Cu++, Fe++, Cr+++, Cr.sub.2 O.sub.7 - as well as the resulting oligosaccharides and their related pharmaceutical compositions. The products exhibit high antithrombotic activity, little or no anticoagulant activity, high fibinolytic activity an antiinflammatory activity.

Abstract: Heparin fractions which are a mixture of oligosaccharides containing 6-12 monosaccharides are described. The oligosaccharides contain reducing end groups composed of iduronic acid 2-sulfate or glucosamine N, 6-disulfate. The end group monosaccharides contain the reducing anomeric carbons. The SO.sub.3.sup.- /COO.sup.- ratio is essentially the same as in heparin. The method of preparation is a depolymerization initiated by free radicals. One fraction is a heparin fragment with a molecular weight (MWw) of 2,100 daltons (+10%). The compound contains 6-8 monosaccharides, has the same SO.sub.3.sup.- /COO.sup.- ratio as the parent heparin and has platelet anti-aggregating activity, arterial and venous antithrombotic action, fibrinolytic and antiatherosclerotic activity. It exhibits poor anti factor Xa activity and no anticoagulant action.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of oligosaccharides and oligosaccharide fractions by degradation of heparin, which comprises submitting to incubation an aqueous solution of heparin containing from 5 to 30 g of heparin/liter in the presence of 4-50 m.moles/l of cupric acetate and 50-300 m.moles/l of hydrogen peroxide, at a temperature of 40.degree.-50.degree. C., for 20-24 hours and keeping the pH at a value of 7.8 by means of sodium acetate.The obtained products show a high inhibiting property of the Xa factor, a high antithrombotic activity and a very modest anticoagulant activity; therefore they are very interesting for a possible utilization as drugs in the antithrombotic treatment, practically free from any risk of haemorrhages.