American Society of Hirudotherapy

Hirudo nipponia Hirudin

Salivary-gland hirudin variant from H. nipponia (Shi 2023) — recombinant Pichia pastoris expression with documented antithrombin activity (14,000 ATU/mL).

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-27 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Hirudo nipponia Hirudin 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 kDaHirudo nipponia Hirudin7 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Hirudo nipponia Hirudin (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
Salivary-gland hirudin variant from H. nipponia (Shi 2023) — recombinant Pichia pastoris expression with documented antithrombin activity (14,000 ATU/mL).
Evidence level
In vitro
Drug vs leech
Recombinant (genetically expressed)
Safety domains
Bleeding

Clinical translation limit

H. nipponia hirudin's in vitro antithrombin activity does NOT establish clinical efficacy. No FDA-approved H. nipponia hirudin derivative exists; H. nipponia is not the FDA-cleared K040187 medicinal leech species (H. medicinalis / H. verbana).

Molecular Profile

Category
Anticoagulant
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
7,000 Da
Source species
Hirudo nipponia
Discovered
2023 · Shi P et al.
Hirudo nipponia Hirudin molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • thrombin (Factor IIa)

Key Citations

  1. Shi P et al. (2023), Sci Rep · PMID 36973525

External Resources

    Related Anticoagulant Compounds

    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.