American Society of Hirudotherapy
Advancing evidence-based, protocolized use of FDA-cleared medicinal leech therapy and supporting research that closes the regulatory-practice gap in the United States.
3
FDA 510(k) clearances
K040187, K132958, K140907
440+
Salivary proteins identified
Liu et al., 2019; expanded 2025
$636M
Bivalirudin peak revenue
Hirudin-inspired FDA-approved drug
78%
Flap salvage rate
Whitaker et al., 2012
Explore Our Resources
Evidence-based guidance for practitioners, researchers, and institutions
Clinical Evidence
Systematic review across 7 conditions with GRADE framework ratings and regulatory tier separation.
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Clinical Specialties
14 medical specialties: surgery (FDA-cleared), cardiology, neurology, and more — with evidence tier classification.
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Pharmacology
Leech biology has inspired 3 FDA-approved drugs (bivalirudin, dabigatran, desirudin) and an active DTI research pipeline.
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Science & Biology
440+ salivary proteins, hemostasis mechanisms, anatomy, taxonomy — thorough scientific reference.
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Practice & Safety
FDA regulatory framework, infection control protocols, Aeromonas management, and clinical guidance.
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Research & Regulation
FDA framework, translational science, clinical research field, and evidence priorities.
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What we do
Clinical guidance (scope-limited)
Hospital-centered governance-level guidance for venous congestion workflows, outcomes reporting, and risk framing.
Education
Evidence-informed educational resources for clinicians, including safety protocols, clinical evidence reviews, and leech biology reference materials.
Research agenda (registries / RCT priorities)
Neutral priorities for prospective registries, standard endpoints, and trial concepts where clinical equipoise exists.
Infrastructure project (domestic supply, traceability)
A public-benefit facility concept focused on biosecurity, chain-of-custody documentation, and resilience.
Latest Research
View all →Novel Leech Antimicrobial Peptides — Hirunipins
Kumar et al. (2025) — Advanced Science (Wiley)
Cysteine-rich AMPs with broad-spectrum activity and antibiotic synergy
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Leech Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis — The Landmark RCT
Michalsen et al. (2003) — Annals of Internal Medicine
First RCT showing leech therapy superior to topical diclofenac for OA pain
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Leech-Assisted Flap Salvage — Systematic Review of 277 Cases
Whitaker et al. (2012) — Microsurgery
Evidence base for the FDA-cleared microsurgical indication
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Where nature meets evidence-based medicine
How Can We Help You?
Resources tailored to your role and interests
For Healthcare Professionals
Clinical protocols, evidence summaries, safety guidelines, and pharmacological data for physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals.
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For Patients & Caregivers
Understand what to expect, learn about FDA-cleared therapy, review safety information, and find answers to common questions.
Patient Guide →
For Researchers & Academics
Access our curated research library, evidence grading methodology, genomic data, and collaboration opportunities.
Research Library →
FDA-cleared indications are limited; investigational and off-label uses are clearly labeled throughout the site.