Smart Library

FDA-cleared application: medicinal leech therapy to relieve venous congestion in compromised tissue flaps awaiting vascular ingrowth.

FDA-cleared application: post-replantation venous decompression in digits, ears, scalp, and partial avulsion injuries.

FDA-cleared application: venous decompression of compromised DIEP, TRAM, and latissimus dorsi flaps in post-mastectomy reconstruction.

Synthetic 20-amino-acid hirudin analog — FDA-approved direct thrombin inhibitor for PCI anticoagulation ($636M peak revenue).

First-generation recombinant hirudin — FDA-approved 1998 for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Withdrawn 2012 by Bayer for commercial reasons.

Recombinant hirudin variant — FDA-approved 2003 for prophylaxis of DVT after hip replacement surgery.

Oral direct thrombin inhibitor — FDA approved 2010 for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. Conceptual descendant of hirudin pharmacology.

Synthetic small-molecule direct thrombin inhibitor — FDA approved 2000 for HIT and PCI. Designed using hirudin structural insights.

Oral Factor Xa inhibitor — FDA approved 2011. Conceptual descendant of antistasin/leech FXa research.

Oral Factor Xa inhibitor — FDA approved 2012. Part of the DOAC class inspired by leech antistasin discovery.

Oral Factor Xa inhibitor — FDA approved 2015. Latest of the antistasin-inspired DOAC class.

Cyclic heptapeptide GP IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist — FDA approved 1998. Structural inspiration: leech decorsin.