American Society of Hirudotherapy

WP-DLRWM

Five-residue intestinally absorbable anticoagulant peptide from Whitmania pigra trypsin hydrolysate — Fang 2025 peptidomics + everted-gut-sac validation.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-27 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of WP-DLRWM 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-DLRWM0.7 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of WP-DLRWM (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
Five-residue intestinally absorbable anticoagulant peptide from Whitmania pigra trypsin hydrolysate — Fang 2025 peptidomics + everted-gut-sac validation.
Evidence level
In vitro
Drug vs leech
Synthetic analog
Safety domains
Bleeding

Clinical translation limit

DLRWM's in vitro / ex vivo anticoagulant activity does NOT establish clinical efficacy. No FDA-approved derivative exists; bioavailability inference from the everted-gut-sac model does not equate to human oral pharmacokinetic validation.

Molecular Profile

Category
Anticoagulant
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
720 Da
Source species
Whitmania pigra
Discovered
2025 · Fang KX et al.
WP-DLRWM molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • coagulation cascade (Critic-G1 weighted multi-parameter anticoagulation model)

Key Citations

  1. Fang KX et al. (2025), Molecules · PMID 40807359

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.