Glycotek has established its new laboratory at Hershey Center for Applied Research (HCAR) in Hershey, Pa., in hopes of developing a technology that will contribute to clinical medicine a long-sought alternative to heparin, which currently must be administered in a hospital setting.

The Yorktown Heights, N.Y.-based company said its glycosaminoglycan (GAG) technology will be used to develop oral alternatives to heparin, for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis and other thrombotic conditions. The company said it will pursue both business and research and development activities at HCAR, building upon the activities already in progress at its N.Y. location.

“The introduction of an oral heparin into clinical medicine would be a significant development and would have commercial, therapeutic and economic potential,” said Laura Butcher, executive director of HCAR.