Low molecular weight (LMW) heparins are obtained by diffent chemical procedures from conventional pig intestinal mucosa heparin. The LMW heparins differ in their molecular weight distribution and physicochemical properties. Therefore, we report of comparative studies on the anticoagulant and lipolytic effects of low molecular weight heparins in man.The following LMW heparins were used: BM 21-23 (Braun, Melsungen, FRG), CY 216 (Choay Laboratories, Paris, France), Heparin NM (Sandoz, Niimberg, FRG), Kabi 2165 (Kabi Vitrum AB, Stockholm, Sweden), RD Heparin (Hepar Industries, Franklin, US A), normal heparin (Braun). All heparins were administered intravenously and subcutaneously to six volunteers each.The data show considerable differences in the anticoagulant and lipolytic effects between the different low molecular weight heparins. From the area under the activity time curves (AUC) of the clotting assays for factor Xa (heptest), aPTT and thrombin clotting time the aXa/aPTT ratio ex vivo and aXa/alla ratio ex vivo were determined (table, average values)It can be seen that there are clear differences in the ex vivo ratios of the LMW heparins. There is a good correlation between the average molecular weight of the LMW heparins and the aXa/aPTT ratio after s.c. administration and of the aXa/alla ratio ex vivo after s.c. administration. Therefore, LMW heparins differ significantly in their clinical pharmacological properties.