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
434+
Salivary proteins identified
Liu et al., 2019
$596M
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
434+ salivary proteins, hemostasis mechanisms, anatomy, taxonomy — comprehensive 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 landscape, 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
Find What You Need
Resources tailored to your role and interests
FDA-cleared indications are limited; investigational and off-label uses are clearly labeled throughout the site.