American Society of Hirudotherapy

WP Peptide LR

Whitmania pigra-derived anticoagulant peptide showing neuroprotection in rat MCAO ischemia-reperfusion model (Liu 2026) — thrombin modulation + fibrinolysis homeostasis.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-27 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of WP Peptide LR 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 Peptide LR0.6 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of WP Peptide LR (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
Whitmania pigra-derived anticoagulant peptide showing neuroprotection in rat MCAO ischemia-reperfusion model (Liu 2026) — thrombin modulation + fibrinolysis homeostasis.
Evidence level
Preclinical (animal)
Drug vs leech
Synthetic analog
Safety domains
Bleeding

Clinical translation limit

LR peptide's neuroprotection in rat MCAO does NOT establish clinical efficacy in human ischemic stroke. No FDA-approved derivative exists; numerous animal-model stroke neuroprotectants have failed in human RCTs.

Molecular Profile

Category
Anticoagulant
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
600 Da
Source species
Whitmania pigra
Discovered
2026 · Liu R et al.
WP Peptide LR molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • thrombin / coagulation-fibrinolysis homeostasis (rat MCAO model)

Key Citations

  1. Liu R et al. (2026), Brain Res · PMID 41765218

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.