American Society of Hirudotherapy

Annual Report 2025–2026

Accountability, transparency, and the measurable impact of evidence-based medicine advancement.

Last Updated: March 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board

501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

EIN: 92-2997844

Tax-exempt under IRC § 501(c)(3). Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Annual information return (Form 990) filed with the IRS. Available on request.

Mission

Mission

The American Society of Hirudotherapy advances evidence-based, protocolized use of FDA-cleared medicinal leech therapy in the United States — through rigorous research synthesis, clinical infrastructure development, and transparent education for both healthcare professionals and the public.

Evidence Synthesis

Curating and publishing the most comprehensive English-language evidence base for hirudotherapy, grounded in peer-reviewed literature.

Clinical Standards

Developing safety protocols, infection-control guidelines, and standardized clinical workflows for practitioners.

Education

Providing healthcare professionals and the public with accurate, regulatory-aligned information about FDA-cleared leech therapy.

Transparency

Operating as an open, accountable nonprofit with documented governance, conflict-of-interest policies, and publicly available financial records.

Vision

Vision

A United States healthcare system in which FDA-cleared medicinal leech therapy is understood, safely practiced, and appropriately integrated into evidence-based clinical care — with every practitioner and patient supported by accurate, accessible information.

Establish the definitive English-language clinical reference for hirudotherapy by 2027

Support the formation of U.S. training and certification standards

Build a verified network of 50+ credentialed practitioners

Publish 5 original systematic reviews or meta-analyses

Achieve broad recognition as the authoritative U.S. nonprofit for hirudotherapy

Achievements 2025–2026

Key milestones in our first operational year.

Digital Infrastructure

Launched hirudotherapysociety.org

134+ pages

Built and deployed a 134-page evidence-based website covering clinical conditions, leech biology, pharmacology, safety protocols, and regulatory frameworks — the most comprehensive English-language resource of its kind.

Research Library

Hirudopedia Evidence Database

50+ publications indexed

Curated and published a structured literature library indexing 50+ peer-reviewed publications on hirudotherapy, with annotation by condition, evidence grade, and study design.

International Reach

Three-Language Platform

EN / RU / ES

Launched full translations in English, Russian, and Spanish — making the evidence base accessible to practitioners and patients across three major language communities.

Safety Standards

Safety Protocol Library

5 core protocols

Published comprehensive Aeromonas management protocols, infection-control guidelines, and post-treatment care standards aligned with current evidence.

Governance

Board of Directors Established

501(c)(3) established

Formed the founding Board of Directors with clinical, administrative, and operations expertise. Adopted conflict-of-interest policy, editorial standards, and donor rights policy.

Clinical Evidence

FDA Regulatory Documentation

3 510(k) clearances documented

Published authoritative documentation of the FDA 510(k) clearance history for medicinal leeches, including K040187, K132958, K140907 — correcting widespread misclassifications in the field.

Impact Metrics

Measuring the reach and effectiveness of our work.

134+

Evidence-based pages published

50+

Peer-reviewed publications indexed

3

Languages supported

1,200+

Indexed URLs in sitemap

5

Core safety protocols published

3

FDA 510(k) clearances documented

Financial Transparency

We are committed to full financial transparency as a 501(c)(3) organization.

Audited Financial Statements

The Society was incorporated in 2023 and completed its first full fiscal year in 2025. Audited financial statements and Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 will be available in Q4 2026. In the interim, unaudited financials and the IRS determination letter are available on request.

To request financial documents, contact us at adokukin@leechmedicine.com.

Nonprofit Status

Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) public charity. EIN: 92-2997844. Tax-deductible donations accepted.

Conflict of Interest Policy

All board members and content contributors complete annual conflict-of-interest disclosures. Material conflicts result in recusal.

Donor Privacy

Donor information is never sold, traded, or shared with third parties outside of legal requirements.

Gift Acceptance Policy

Gifts that create conflicts of interest, impose conditions contrary to our mission, or carry unacceptable reputational risk are declined.

Board of Directors

The governing body responsible for organizational oversight, mission fidelity, and fiduciary accountability.

501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Organization·EIN: 92-2997844

Related Resources

This website provides educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medicinal leech therapy carries clinically meaningful risks and should be performed only by qualified clinicians under institutionally approved protocols. FDA 510(k) clearance for medicinal leeches is limited to specific indications; investigational and off-label discussions are labeled accordingly. For patient-specific guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider.