Hirunipins
Newly-characterized antimicrobial peptide family (Kumar 2025) — candidate next-generation antibiotics against AMR pathogens.
Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Mechanistic Evidence Box
Preclinical / mechanistic- Page type
- Compound profile
- Evidence type
- Newly-characterized antimicrobial peptide family (Kumar 2025) — candidate next-generation antibiotics against AMR pathogens.
- Evidence level
- In vitro
- Drug vs leech
- Purified natural compound
Clinical translation limit
Hirunipins' in vitro antimicrobial activity against MDR Gram-negatives does NOT establish clinical efficacy. No FDA-approved derivative exists; classification as a 'next-generation antibiotic candidate' is a research framing, not a clinical milestone.
Molecular Profile
- Category
- Antimicrobial
- Evidence tier
- Preclinical
- Molecular weight
- 3,200 Da
- Source species
- Hirudo medicinalis (secretory cells)
- Discovered
- 2025 · Kumar S et al.
Biological Targets
- → multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae)
Key Citations
- Kumar S et al. (2025), Advanced Science (Wiley)
External Resources
Related Antimicrobial Compounds
Theromacin
Antimicrobial peptide active against Gram-negative bacteria — innate immunity of leech.
Theromyzin
Antimicrobial peptide; structural analogue of mammalian defensin family.
Macrostomin
Antimicrobial peptide active against Gram-positive bacteria — amphipathic alpha-helix.
Destabilase Lysozyme Activity
Lysozyme domain of destabilase — antimicrobial activity against peptidoglycan-containing bacteria.