American Society of Hirudotherapy

Haemadipsa Oligomeric Decorsin

First oligomeric decorsin-class platelet aggregation inhibitor identified in a haemadipsid leech (Müller 2024) — weak inhibitor in functional assays.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-27 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Haemadipsa Oligomeric Decorsin 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 kDaHaemadipsa Oligomeric Decorsin12 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Haemadipsa Oligomeric Decorsin (highlighted) alongside other characterized leech salivary compounds. Smaller proteins/peptides generally diffuse and act faster.

Mechanistic Evidence Box

Preclinical / mechanistic
Page type
Compound profile
Evidence type
First oligomeric decorsin-class platelet aggregation inhibitor identified in a haemadipsid leech (Müller 2024) — weak inhibitor in functional assays.
Evidence level
In vitro
Drug vs leech
Recombinant (genetically expressed)
Safety domains
Bleeding

Clinical translation limit

The oligomeric decorsin's weak in vitro platelet inhibition does NOT establish clinical efficacy. No FDA-approved derivative exists.

Molecular Profile

Category
Antiplatelet
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
12,000 Da
Source species
Haemadipsa interrupta
Discovered
2024 · Müller C et al.
Haemadipsa Oligomeric Decorsin molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • → platelet aggregation (weak in vitro inhibition)

Key Citations

  1. Müller C et al. (2024), Parasitol Res · PMID 39570434

External Resources

    Related Antiplatelet Compounds

    Calin

    Anti-platelet adhesion protein that blocks von Willebrand factor–collagen binding.

    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.

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