American Society of Hirudotherapy

WP-PEP-LRELEDALEQER

Computation-guided 12-mer anticoagulant peptide from Whitmania pigra hydrolysate targeting thrombin Exosite II — Hua 2025 in vivo + SPR validation.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-28 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of WP-PEP-LRELEDALEQER 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-PEP-LRELEDALEQER1.4 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of WP-PEP-LRELEDALEQER (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
Computation-guided 12-mer anticoagulant peptide from Whitmania pigra hydrolysate targeting thrombin Exosite II — Hua 2025 in vivo + SPR validation.
Evidence level
Preclinical (animal)
Drug vs leech
Synthetic analog
Safety domains
Bleeding

Clinical translation limit

WP-PEP-LRELEDALEQER's in vivo anticoagulant activity in rats does NOT establish clinical efficacy. No FDA-approved derivative; W. pigra is a non-hematophagous TCM leech, not the FDA-cleared K040187 medicinal leech.

Molecular Profile

Category
Anticoagulant
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
1,444 Da
Source species
Whitmania pigra
Discovered
2025 · Hua YT et al.
WP-PEP-LRELEDALEQER molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • thrombin Exosite II (key residues Arg233 + Arg101)

Key Citations

  1. Hua YT et al. (2025), J Pept Sci · PMID 40922112

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.