American Society of Hirudotherapy

A novel stearic acid-modified hirudin peptidomimetic with improved pharmacokinetic properties and anticoagulant activity

Drug discovery study published in Scientific Reports (2015)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Research reportDrug DevelopmentGenomics & ProteomicsLiu Z et al. · Scientific Reports, 2015

Abstract

A novel hirudin isoform 3 mimetic peptide, named peptide S2, has been prepared by introduction of a stearic acid modification. Peptide S2 exhibited superior inhibitory activity to hirulog-1 (Bivariludin) and showed significantly higher anticoagulant potency in vivo. Peptide S2 elevated the thrombin time, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time of rat and human plasma more efficiently than hirulog-1 and the unmodified form of peptide S2 (peptide 1). Furthermore, peptide S2 inhibited arterial thrombosis and inferior vena cava in rat model 8 h after administration, and was 10-fold more potent than hirulog-1 300 min after administration of 0.1 μmol/kg peptide. The enhanced antithrombotic activity could be attributed to its long half-life (T1/2 = 212.2 ± 58.4 min), which was 13.1 and 14.7-fold longer than those of hirulog-1 (T1/2 = 15.1 ± 1.3 min) and peptide 1 (T1/2 = 13.5 ± 2.6 min), respectively. Further enzymatic degradation and binding assay with human serum albumin (HSA) demonstrated that the longer duration time should be originated from the slowing of trypsin or thrombin-mediated degradation, as well as its binding to HSA. The improved pharmacokinetic properties observed for peptide S2 has made it a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of thrombi-related diseases.

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

Publication typeJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsAnticoagulantsBlood CoagulationBlood Coagulation TestsCarotid ArteriesHirudinsHumansMalePeptide FragmentsPeptidomimeticsProtein BindingRats

Summary

Stearic acid-modified hirudin isoform 3 mimetic peptide (peptide S2) showed 13.1-fold longer half-life than hirulog-1 (T1/2 212.2 vs 15.1 min) and 10-fold improved antithrombotic potency, attributed to slowed proteolysis and HSA binding.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study describes a stearic acid-modified hirudin isoform 3 mimetic peptide (peptide S2) engineered for improved pharmacokinetic properties and anticoagulant activity. Peptide S2 showed superior thrombin inhibition and anticoagulant potency compared to hirulog-1 (bivalirudin) in rat and human plasma, with a half-life of 212.2 ± 58.4 minutes—approximately 13–15 times longer than hirulog-1 and the unmodified peptide—and inhibited arterial and inferior vena cava thrombosis in rat models. This work is relevant as it represents rational engineering of a hirudin-based molecule for sustained antithrombotic action. However, the data are entirely preclinical from rat models and in vitro assays; peptide S2 is a synthetic peptidomimetic, not a natural leech secretion product, and no human studies are reported.

Citation

A novel stearic acid-modified hirudin peptidomimetic with improved pharmacokinetic properties and anticoagulant activity.

Liu Z et al. · Scientific Reports, 2015

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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