Abstract: Methods for analyzing, selecting, characterizing or classifying compositions of a co-polymer, e.g., glatiramer acetate are described. The methods entail analysis of pyro-glutamate in the composition, and, in some methods, comparing the amount of pyro-glutamate present in a composition to a reference standard. In some cases, the methods entail treating the co-polymer with pyro-glutamate aminopeptidase to cleave N-terminal pyro-glutamate residues.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a novel method for preparing copolymer-1. In one embodiment, a mixture of N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) comprising alanine, protected-glutamic acid, protected lysine, and tyrosine, and wherein glutamic acid includes a benzyl or methoxy protecting group and lysine includes a cyclic imide or Boc protecting group are treated with a polymerization initiator to initiate polymerization of the mixture of N-carboxyanhydrides and to thereby synthesize a protected copolymer-1. The protected copolymer-1 can then be treated with deprotecting groups and/or depolymerized to obtain a copolymer-1 having a desired molecular weight.

Abstract: Preparations of low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) having improved properties, e.g., properties that provide a clinical advantage, are provided herein. Methods of making and using such preparations as well as methods of analyzing starting materials, processing, intermediates and final products in the production of such LMWH preparations are provided.