Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating the activity of a FGF receptor in a mammal are disclosed. The methods and compositions utilize substantially purified heparin/heparan sulfate oligosaccharides (HS) that have high affinity for FGF7. HS that has high affinity for FGF7 has increased activity for promoting the formation of a ternary FGF/HS/FGFR complex. According to one embodiment of the invention, substantially purified HS is an octasaccharide having 7 or 8 sulfates and having predominant disaccharide composition of ?HexA2SGlcN6S and a tri-sulfated disaccharide. Alternatively, the substantially purified HS is a longer oligosaccharide that contains an octasaccharide structural motif having 7 or 8 sulfates and having predominant disaccharide composition of ?HexA2SGlcN6S and a tri-sulfated disaccharide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for isolating anticoagulant heparin or heparan sulfate by binding the anticoagulant heparin or anticoagulant heparan sulfate onto an affinity matrix and separating the non-bound material from the bound material. The affinity matrix is made of a fibroblast growth factor immobilized on a support. The invention also relates to a method and composition for neutralizing anticoagulation catalyzed by heparin, a heparin mimic, or a heparin derivative, by contacting heparin, a heparin mimic, or a heparin derivative with a fibroblast growth factor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for isolating anticoagulant heparin or heparan sulfate by binding the anticoagulant heparin or anticoagulant heparan sulfate onto an affinity matrix and separating the non-bound material from the bound material. The affinity matrix is made of a fibroblast growth factor immobilized on a support. The invention also relates to a method and composition for neutralizing anticoagulation catalyzed by heparin, a heparin mimic, or a heparin derivative, by contacting heparin, a heparin mimic, or a heparin derivative with a fibroblast growth factor.