The present invention provides compositions and methods to inhibit fibrosis and scarring associated with surgery. The present invention relates to the discovery that a synthetic anionic polymer consisting of dextran-sulfate (anionic carbohydrate) conjugated to Tirofiban (an anti-platelet agent which prevents platelet activation and aggregation) can effectively inhibit adhesions that form during surgery. This application is a continuation in part to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/202,006. The novel biocompatible conjugate compound of the original application can effectively inhibit fibrosis, scar formation, and surgical adhesions. The invention is predicated on the discovery that the conjugate compound effectively inhibits the invasion of cells which is associated with detrimental healing processes without affecting platelet populations. Use of any of several different anionic components with any of several different anti-platelet agents results in many different specific embodiments of the invention. Thus, the invention provides a large number of materials for use in methods of inhibiting fibrosis and fibroblast invasion. The anionic component for use in the invention includes all proteoglycans, glyosaminoglycans, pentosan polysulfates, alginates and the anti-platelet agent can be on synthetic, peptides, proteins or antibodies. A preferred embodiment of the invention is one in which the conjugate compound dextran sulfate is paired with pentosan polysulfate. In a more preferred specific embodiment, dextran sulfate, in which the sulfur content is greater than about 10% by weight, may be used. In a more preferred embodiment, the average molecular weight of the final bound compound is approximately 40,000 to 500,000 Daltons.
