American Society of Hirudotherapy

Pigrin

Selective PAR1 antagonist from non-hematophagous Whitmania pigra — Ren 2019 demonstrates antithrombotic activity in rat without prolonging bleeding time.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-27 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Pigrin 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 kDaPigrin8.5 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Pigrin (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
Selective PAR1 antagonist from non-hematophagous Whitmania pigra — Ren 2019 demonstrates antithrombotic activity in rat without prolonging bleeding time.
Evidence level
Preclinical (animal)
Drug vs leech
Recombinant (genetically expressed)
Safety domains
Bleeding

Clinical translation limit

Pigrin's preclinical PAR1 antagonism + antithrombotic activity does NOT establish clinical efficacy. No FDA-approved derivative exists; W. pigra is a non-hematophagous TCM leech not on the FDA K040187 cleared species list. The 'no bleeding tendency' finding is from rodent models and cannot be extrapolated to human bleeding risk.

Molecular Profile

Category
Antiplatelet
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
8,500 Da
Source species
Whitmania pigra
Discovered
2019 · Ren SH et al.
Pigrin molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1)
  • collagen-platelet interaction

Key Citations

  1. Ren SH et al. (2019), Chin J Nat Med · PMID 31472896

External Resources

    Related Antiplatelet 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.