American Society of Hirudotherapy

WP-30

30-residue antiplatelet peptide from Whitmania pigra selectively inhibiting thrombin-induced platelet aggregation — Liu 2016 demonstrates rat arterio-venous shunt thrombosis attenuation.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-27 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of WP-30 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 kDaWP-303.1 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of WP-30 (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
30-residue antiplatelet peptide from Whitmania pigra selectively inhibiting thrombin-induced platelet aggregation — Liu 2016 demonstrates rat arterio-venous shunt thrombosis attenuation.
Evidence level
Preclinical (animal)
Drug vs leech
Purified natural compound
Safety domains
Bleeding

Clinical translation limit

WP-30's preclinical antithrombotic activity in rats does NOT establish clinical efficacy in humans. No FDA-approved derivative exists; W. pigra is a non-hematophagous TCM leech, not the FDA-cleared K040187 medicinal leech.

Molecular Profile

Category
Antiplatelet
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
3,100 Da
Source species
Whitmania pigra
Discovered
2016 · Liu X et al.
WP-30 molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • thrombin-induced platelet aggregation (selective; not ADP- or collagen-induced)

Key Citations

  1. Liu X et al. (2016), Biochem Biophys Res Commun · PMID 27021679

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.