American Society of Hirudotherapy

Hirudin and hirudin analogues as new anticoagulant agents

Research article published in Current opinion in hematology (1995)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewDrug DevelopmentClinical TrialsPineo G, Hull R · Current opinion in hematology, 1995

Abstract

Recombinant hirudin and hirudin analogues constitute interesting new antithrombotic agents that have distinct advantages over heparin. These agents specifically inhibit thrombin and all of its actions and also suppress further thrombin generation. As opposed to unfractionated heparin, hirudin and hirulog effectively suppress clot-bound thrombin, making these agents of particular interest in the treatment of arterial thrombosis, for example, following thrombolysis or percutaneous transthoracic angioplasty. The recent data derived from clinical trials supporting the use of hirudin and hirulog in the prevention and treatment of thrombotic diseases are reviewed here.

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

Publication typeJournal ArticleReview
Indexed MeSH termsAngina, UnstableAnticoagulantsCardiovascular DiseasesClinical Trials as TopicHirudin TherapyHirudinsHumansMyocardial InfarctionPeptide FragmentsRecombinant ProteinsThrombolytic Therapy

Summary

Recombinant hirudin and hirudin analogues constitute interesting new antithrombotic agents that have distinct advantages over heparin. These agents specifically inhibit thrombin and all of its actions and also suppress further thrombin generation.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This review article examines recombinant hirudin and hirudin analogues, including hirulog, as antithrombotic agents that specifically inhibit thrombin—including clot-bound thrombin—and are of particular interest in treating arterial thrombosis following thrombolysis or percutaneous transthoracic angioplasty. The authors review recent clinical trial data supporting the use of these agents in the prevention and treatment of thrombotic diseases. For ASH's domain, this review is directly relevant as it discusses hirudin-based anticoagulants and their clinical development. Caveat: as a review, it does not present original trial data, and the abstract does not specify particular trial outcomes, sample sizes, or individual disease indications beyond citing arterial thrombosis examples.

Citation

Hirudin and hirudin analogues as new anticoagulant agents.

Pineo G, Hull R · Current opinion in hematology, 1995

DOI

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

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