Hyaluronidase
Enzyme that degrades hyaluronic acid in extracellular matrix — 'spreading factor' enhancing diffusion of other SGS compounds.
Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Mechanistic Evidence Box
Preclinical / mechanistic- Page type
- Compound profile
- Evidence type
- Enzyme that degrades hyaluronic acid in extracellular matrix — 'spreading factor' enhancing diffusion of other SGS compounds.
- Evidence level
- Mechanistic discussion
- Drug vs leech
- Leech-derived crude extract
Clinical translation limit
Leech hyaluronidase is mechanistically related to (but distinct from) the human recombinant hyaluronidase product Hylenex, which is an FDA-approved separate pharmaceutical with its own evidence base. Leech-derived hyaluronidase has no independent FDA approval and its 'spreading factor' role is preclinical/mechanistic only.
Molecular Profile
- Category
- ECM Enzyme
- Evidence tier
- Tier A — FDA-approved derivative
- Molecular weight
- 60,000 Da
- Source species
- Hirudo medicinalis
- Derived FDA-approved drug
- Conceptual relative: human recombinant hyaluronidase (Hylenex)
Biological Targets
- → hyaluronic acid (extracellular matrix)
Key Citations
- Hovingh P, Linker A (1999), Comp Biochem Physiol