American Society of Hirudotherapy

Platelet-targeted dual pathway antithrombotic inhibits thrombosis with preserved hemostasis.

Research article published in JCI insight (2018)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Research reportDrug DevelopmentSalivary PharmacologyHanjaya-Putra et al. · JCI insight, 2018

Abstract

Despite advances in antithrombotic therapy, the risk of recurrent coronary/cerebrovascular ischemia or venous thromboembolism remains high. Dual pathway antithrombotic blockade, using both antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy, offers the promise of improved thrombotic protection; however, widespread adoption remains tempered by substantial risk of major bleeding. Here, we report a dual pathway therapeutic capable of site-specific targeting to activated platelets and therapeutic enrichment at the site of thrombus growth to allow reduced dosing without compromised antithrombotic efficacy. We engineered a recombinant fusion protein, SCE5-TAP, which consists of a single-chain antibody (SCE5) that targets and blocks the activated GPIIb/IIIa complex, and tick anticoagulant peptide (TAP), a potent direct inhibitor of activated factor X (FXa). SCE5-TAP demonstrated selective platelet targeting and inhibition of thrombosis in murine models of both carotid artery and inferior vena cava thrombosis, without a significant impact on hemostasis. Selective targeting to activated platelets provides an attractive strategy to achieve high antithrombotic efficacy with reduced risk of bleeding complications.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleResearch Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsArthropod ProteinsBlood PlateletsDisease Models, AnimalFactor Xa InhibitorsHealthy VolunteersHemostasisHumansImmunoconjugatesIntercellular Signaling Peptides and ProteinsMicePlatelet Activation

Summary

Despite advances in antithrombotic therapy, the risk of recurrent coronary/cerebrovascular ischemia or venous thromboembolism remains high. Dual pathway antithrombotic blockade, using both antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy, offers the promise of improved thrombotic protection; however, widespread adoption remains tempered by substantial risk of major bleeding.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

Informs the development and characterization of anticoagulant and leech-derived therapeutic agents.

Citation

Platelet-targeted dual pathway antithrombotic inhibits thrombosis with preserved hemostasis.

Hanjaya-Putra et al. · JCI insight, 2018

Added to ASH library: May 28, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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