Calin
Anti-platelet adhesion protein that blocks von Willebrand factor–collagen binding.
Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Mechanistic Evidence Box
Preclinical / mechanistic- Page type
- Compound profile
- Evidence type
- Anti-platelet adhesion protein that blocks von Willebrand factor–collagen binding.
- Evidence level
- In vitro
- Drug vs leech
- Purified natural compound
- Safety domains
- Bleeding
Clinical translation limit
Calin's in vitro inhibition of vWF–collagen binding has not been translated into any FDA-approved drug or clinical therapy. Mechanism is preclinical/biochemical only; does NOT establish clinical efficacy of whole medicinal-leech therapy.
Molecular Profile
- Category
- Antiplatelet
- Evidence tier
- Preclinical
- Molecular weight
- 65,000 Da
- Source species
- Hirudo medicinalis
- Discovered
- 1991 · Munro et al.
Biological Targets
- → von Willebrand factor
- → collagen-platelet adhesion
Key Citations
- Munro R, Jones CP, Sawyer RT (1991), Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis
External Resources
Related Antiplatelet Compounds
Saratin
Anti-platelet adhesion protein blocking collagen-mediated platelet activation.
Decorsin
RGD-containing peptide inhibiting platelet GP IIb/IIIa receptor — eptifibatide ancestor.
Ornatin
RGD-peptide GP IIb/IIIa antagonist — sister molecule to decorsin from a different leech species.
Eptifibatide
Cyclic heptapeptide GP IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist — FDA approved 1998. Structural inspiration: leech decorsin.