Leech Kallikrein Inhibitor
Plasma kallikrein-kinin system modulator — anti-inflammatory pathway distinct from cyclooxygenase.
Praeklinisch / mechanistischLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Mechanistic Evidence Box
Preclinical / mechanistic- Page type
- Compound profile
- Evidence type
- Plasma kallikrein-kinin system modulator — anti-inflammatory pathway distinct from cyclooxygenase.
- Evidence level
- Mechanistic discussion
- Drug vs leech
- Purified natural compound
Clinical translation limit
Leech kallikrein inhibitor's mechanism is preclinical only. No FDA-approved derivative exists; not to be confused with the FDA-approved synthetic kallikrein inhibitor ecallantide (Kalbitor), which is a separate pharmaceutical product.
Molecular Profile
- Category
- Proteinase Inhibitor
- Evidence tier
- Preclinical
- Molecular weight
- 7,500 Da
- Source species
- Hirudo medicinalis
Biological Targets
- → plasma kallikrein
External Resources
Related Proteinase Inhibitor Compounds
Hirustasin
Serine proteinase inhibitor targeting tissue kallikrein — anti-inflammatory pathway.
Eglin C
Potent inhibitor of human leukocyte elastase and cathepsin G — anti-inflammatory protein widely used as research tool.
Bdellin B3
Kazal-type proteinase inhibitor targeting trypsin and plasmin — modulates inflammatory cascade.
LDTI (Leech-Derived Tryptase Inhibitor)
Selective inhibitor of human mast cell tryptase — anti-inflammatory pathway.