American Society of Hirudotherapy

Tandem-Hirudin (TH)

Bivalent tandem-domain hirudin homolog from Hirudinaria manillensis — two globular domains without C-terminal tail; structurally distinct from kissing-bug / tick analogs (Lukas 2022).

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-27 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Tandem-Hirudin (TH) 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 kDaTandem-Hirudin (TH)14 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Tandem-Hirudin (TH) (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
Bivalent tandem-domain hirudin homolog from Hirudinaria manillensis — two globular domains without C-terminal tail; structurally distinct from kissing-bug / tick analogs (Lukas 2022).
Evidence level
In vitro
Drug vs leech
Recombinant (genetically expressed)
Safety domains
Bleeding

Clinical translation limit

Tandem-Hirudin's structural homology to hirudin does NOT establish functional thrombin inhibition or clinical efficacy. Lukas 2022 in vitro assays showed NO thrombin-inhibitory potency; functional role and physiological target remain uncharacterized.

Molecular Profile

Category
Anticoagulant
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
14,000 Da
Source species
Hirudinaria manillensis
Discovered
2022 · Lukas P et al.
Tandem-Hirudin (TH) molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • thrombin (structural homolog; functional activity equivocal)

Key Citations

  1. Lukas P et al. (2022), Parasitol Res · PMID 36006484

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.