Fondaparinux is derived from which source?

• A. Porcine-derived
• B. Synthetic
• C. Human-derived
• D. Plant-derived

Answer: (B)

Fondaparinux is a fully synthetic compound. It is a chemically synthesized pentasaccharide that replicates the specific antithrombin-binding sequence of heparin, produced entirely in the laboratory rather than extracted from animal tissues. This synthetic origin gives it a uniform structure and predictable pharmacokinetic and anticoagulant properties. In contrast, many other heparins are derived from animal sources, such as porcine mucosa, and would be described as porcine-derived. Human-derived or plant-derived options do not apply to fondaparinux.