American Society of Hirudotherapy

Argatroban

Synthetic small-molecule direct thrombin inhibitor — FDA approved 2000 for HIT and PCI. Designed using hirudin structural insights.

Studied off-labelLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Argatroban compared with other characterized leech-derived compoundsHementerin80 kDaHementin80 kDaHementin-Like Protein (HLP-1)80 kDaLeech Collagenase70 kDaHaemadipsa yanyuanensis Progr…70 kDaLeech Apyrase67 kDaCalin65 kDaHyaluronidase60 kDaAntithrombin III binding prot…58 kDaCollagenolytic Fibrinolysin55 kDaLeech Thrombospondin-Like Pro…50 kDaArgatroban0.5 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Argatroban (highlighted) alongside other characterized leech salivary compounds. Smaller proteins/peptides generally diffuse and act faster.

Mechanistic Evidence Box

Studied off-label
Page type
Compound profile
Evidence type
Synthetic small-molecule direct thrombin inhibitor — FDA approved 2000 for HIT and PCI. Designed using hirudin structural insights.
Evidence level
FDA-cleared regulatory context
Drug vs leech
Synthetic analog
Safety domains
Bleeding

Clinical translation limit

Argatroban is an FDA-approved synthetic small-molecule direct thrombin inhibitor; it is chemically distinct from hirudin. Its clinical evidence base for HIT and PCI applies only to the drug, not to whole medicinal-leech therapy.

Molecular Profile

Category
Anticoagulant
Evidence tier
Tier A — FDA-approved derivative
Molecular weight
508.64 Da
Source species
Synthetic
Discovered
1981 · Mitsubishi Pharma (Japan)
PubChem CID
152951
PDB structures
1HRT1ETS
Derived FDA-approved drug
Argatroban (FDA approved 2000)
Argatroban molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • → thrombin (Factor IIa)

Key Citations

  1. Lewis BE et al. (2003), Arch Intern Med · PMID 12912723

External Resources

Related Anticoagulant Compounds

Hirudin

The most potent natural thrombin inhibitor — and the molecular template for three FDA-approved direct thrombin inhibitor drugs.

Antistasin

Factor Xa inhibitor — prototype molecule that inspired the entire DOAC drug class (rivaroxaban, apixaban).

Ghilanten

Factor Xa inhibitor with anti-metastatic activity in animal cancer models — translational dual-use compound.

Lefaxin

Factor Xa inhibitor with anti-inflammatory properties.

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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.