Annual Report 2025–2026
Accountability, transparency, and the measurable impact of evidence-based medicine advancement.
Plain-language summary
This is the public report of the American Society of Hirudotherapy, a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit recognised by the IRS in April 2023 (EIN 92-2997844). The report covers our mission, what we built in our first reporting period, our governance, and our financial principles. We do not deliver clinical care; we synthesise evidence, publish protocols, and maintain a public correction log. Form 990-N filings for tax years 2023 and 2024 are verifiable via IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search.
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.
Form 990-N (e-postcard) filings for tax years 2023 and 2024 are publicly verifiable via the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (apps.irs.gov/app/eos). The 2025 Form 990-N is expected by mid-2026. Determination Letter 947 (dated 04/21/2023) available upon request.
Mission
Mission
The American Society of Hirudotherapy advances evidence-based, protocolized 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 a thorough 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 medicinal 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 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
Built and deployed a 134-page evidence-based website covering clinical conditions, leech biology, pharmacology, safety protocols, and regulatory frameworks — a thorough English-language resource grounded in peer-reviewed literature.
Research Library
Hirudopedia Evidence Database
Curated and published a structured literature library indexing 269 peer-reviewed publications on hirudotherapy (with a curated subset of 50+ Hirudopedia entries), with annotation by condition, evidence grade, and study design.
International Reach
Three-Language Platform
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
Published detailed Aeromonas management protocols, infection-control guidelines, and post-treatment care standards aligned with current evidence.
Governance
Board of Directors 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
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 curated in Hirudopedia
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
ASH was incorporated in California on March 29, 2023 and recognized as a 501(c)(3) public charity by the IRS effective the same date (Letter 947, DLN 26053509004063). Form 990-N (e-postcard) filings for tax years 2023 and 2024 are publicly verifiable via the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search. Audited financial statements 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 hirudo@hirudotherapysociety.org.
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.