Abstract: Highly sulfated oligosaccharides in the form of hexasaccharide and octasaccharide compounds which have antiproliferative activity with respect to smooth muscle cells are useful in treatment of conditions characterized by unwanted smooth muscle cell proliferation such as a result of trauma or disease states such as asthma, congestive heart failure and hypertension. The oligosaccharides have increased ability to inhibit the proliferation of smooth muscle cells and decreased ability to act as an anticoagulant as compared with commercial heparin and/or unseparated fragments of heparin.

Abstract: A non-anticoagulant (NAC) form of heparin which shows antiproliferative activity with respect to smooth muscle cells is useful in the prevention of restenosis and other conditions benefited by antiproliferative activity with respect to smooth muscle cells. This NAC form of heparin is prepared by oxidizing heparin/heparan sulfate to a desired level with periodate followed by reduction of the resulting aldehyde groups; all under conditions which prevent depolymerization of the heparin.

Abstract: A non-anticoagulant (NAC) form of heparin which shows antiproliferative activity with respect to smooth muscle cells is useful in the prevention of restenosis and other conditions benefited by antiproliferative activity with respect to smooth muscle cells. This NAC form of heparin is prepared by deacetylating and then oxidizing heparin/heparan sulfate substantially to completion with periodate followed by reduction of the resulting aldehyde groups under conditions which prevent depolymerization of the heparin.