Guamerin
Selective elastase inhibitor from Korean leech — anti-inflammatory potential in COPD and emphysema research.
Praeklinisch / mechanistischLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Mechanistic Evidence Box
Preclinical / mechanistic- Page type
- Compound profile
- Evidence type
- Selective elastase inhibitor from Korean leech — anti-inflammatory potential in COPD and emphysema research.
- Evidence level
- In vitro
- Drug vs leech
- Purified natural compound
Clinical translation limit
Guamerin's in vitro inhibition of neutrophil elastase does not establish clinical efficacy in COPD, emphysema, or any other condition. No FDA-approved derivative exists. Mechanism is preclinical/biochemical only.
Molecular Profile
- Category
- Proteinase Inhibitor
- Evidence tier
- Preclinical
- Molecular weight
- 6,113 Da
- Source species
- Hirudo nipponia (Korean leech)
- Discovered
- 1992 · Jung HI et al.
- PDB structures
- 1GTW
Biological Targets
- → human neutrophil elastase
Key Citations
- Jung HI et al. (1995), J Biol Chem · PMID 7775446
External Resources
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