Nicolás E. Núñez-Navarro, Fabián M. Santana, Loreto P. Parra and Flavia C. Zacconi* Pages 3175 - 3200 ( 26 )
Factor Xa (FXa) plays a key role in haemostasis, it is a central part of the blood coagulation cascade which catalyzes the production of thrombin and leads to clot formation and wound closure. Therefore, FXa is an attractive target for the development of new anticoagulant agents. In this review, we will first describe the molecular features of this fundamental protein in order to understand its mechanism of action, an essential background for the design of novel inhibitors by means of synthetic organic chemistry or using peptides obtained from recombinant methodologies. Then, we will review the current state of the synthesis of novel direct FXa inhibitors along with their mechanisms of action. Finally, approved reversal agents that aid in maintaining blood haemostasis by using these commercial drugs will also be discussed.
Coagulation cascade, anticoagulants, FXa, synthetic inhibitors, direct FXa inhibitors, FXa reversal agents.
Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago