American Society of Hirudotherapy

Recombinant Destabilase (Aged-Clot Variant)

Recombinant H. medicinalis destabilase tested against aged human blood clots resistant to thrombolytics — Bobrovsky 2021 demonstrates dose-response isopeptide-bond cleavage.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-27 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Recombinant Destabilase (Aged-Clot Variant) 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 kDaRecombinant Destabilase (Aged…12.5 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Recombinant Destabilase (Aged-Clot Variant) (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
Recombinant H. medicinalis destabilase tested against aged human blood clots resistant to thrombolytics — Bobrovsky 2021 demonstrates dose-response isopeptide-bond cleavage.
Evidence level
In vitro
Drug vs leech
Recombinant (genetically expressed)
Safety domains
Bleeding

Clinical translation limit

Recombinant destabilase's in vitro aged-clot dissolution does NOT establish clinical thrombolytic efficacy. No FDA-approved derivative exists; pilot study results require validation in randomized clinical trials and pharmacokinetic / immunogenicity safety profiling.

Molecular Profile

Category
Fibrinolytic
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
12,500 Da
Source species
Hirudo medicinalis
Discovered
2021 · Bobrovsky P et al.
Recombinant Destabilase (Aged-Clot Variant) molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • isopeptide ε-(γ-Glu)-Lys bonds in cross-linked / aged fibrin clots

Key Citations

  1. Bobrovsky P et al. (2021), Curr Issues Mol Biol · PMID 34889897

External Resources

    Related Fibrinolytic 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.