We studied the effects of FR-860 on coagulative and fibrinolytic activities in human plasma compared to conventional unfractionated heparin (UF-heparin). Both FR-860 and UF-heparin dose-dependently prolonged the recalcification time, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, factor Xa (F.Xa) clotting time and thrombin time. These effects of FR-860 were weaker than that of UF-heparin. FR-860 showed equipotent efficacy on the anti-F.Xa activity, and weak antithrombin activity compared to UF-heparin. FR-860 had no effects on the activity of ATIII and fibrinolytic activity. UF-heparin shortened the urokinase-activated euglobulin lysis time and showed antiplasmin activity, but did not influence the activities of ATIII, plasminogen and alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor. UF-heparin decreased the fibrinogen level at higher doses. These efficacies of FR-860 were weaker than that of UF-heparin. These results suggest that FR-860 is more efficient and lower in bleeding risk than UF-heparin in clinical use.