Leech Collagenase
ECM-degrading enzyme — facilitates spread of salivary compounds at the bite site.
Praeklinisch / mechanistischLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Mechanistic Evidence Box
Preclinical / mechanistic- Page type
- Compound profile
- Evidence type
- ECM-degrading enzyme — facilitates spread of salivary compounds at the bite site.
- Evidence level
- Mechanistic discussion
- Drug vs leech
- Leech-derived crude extract
Clinical translation limit
Leech collagenase is a mechanistic 'spreading factor' description, not a characterized clinical drug. Distinct from FDA-approved bacterial-derived collagenase products (e.g., Santyl, Xiaflex) which are unrelated commercial enzymes. No leech-derived collagenase is FDA-approved.
Molecular Profile
- Category
- ECM Enzyme
- Evidence tier
- Preclinical
- Molecular weight
- 70,000 Da
- Source species
- Hirudo medicinalis
Biological Targets
- → interstitial collagen (Type I, III)
External Resources
Related ECM Enzyme Compounds
Hyaluronidase
Enzyme that degrades hyaluronic acid in extracellular matrix — 'spreading factor' enhancing diffusion of other SGS compounds.
LHyal (Leech Hyaluronidase)
Hyperactive Hirudo medicinalis hyaluronate hydrolase used for HA oligosaccharide industrial production — Liao 2023 yeast-surface-display recombinant biocatalyst.