American Society of Hirudotherapy

An objective perspective on recombinant hirudin: a new anticoagulant and antithrombotic agent

Research article published in Blood coagulation & fibrinolysis : an international journal in haemostasis and thrombosis (1991)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Observational studyDrug DevelopmentClinical TrialsFareed J et al. · Blood coagulation & fibrinolysis : an international journal in haemostasis and thrombosis, 1991

Abstract

Leeches have been in medical use for many years. Hirudin, the anticoagulant obtained from the medicinal leech has been purified, characterized and can now be produced by recombinant (r) technology. R-hirudin is a potent inhibitor of thrombin and is therefore a potentially valuable anticoagulant and antithrombotic drug. This article reviews the current status of r-hirudin in this role and compares the pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action and clinical efficacy of this agent with heparin. The methods available for laboratory assessment and clinical monitoring of r-hirudin and the possible ways of antagonizing its effects are also discussed. Finally, the potential clinical applications of r-hirudin are outlined, although further laboratory and clinical studies, together with a fall in the cost of this compound are required before r-hirudin can be more widely accepted as an anticoagulant and antithrombotic agent.

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

Publication typeComparative StudyJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tReview
Indexed MeSH termsAmino Acid SequenceAnimalsBlood CoagulationBlood PlateletsDrug EvaluationFibrinolytic AgentsHemorrhageHeparinHirudin TherapyHirudinsHumansMolecular Sequence Data

Summary

Leeches have been in medical use for many years. Hirudin, the anticoagulant obtained from the medicinal leech has been purified, characterized and can now be produced by recombinant (r) technology.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This review examines recombinant (r-)hirudin—the anticoagulant obtained from the medicinal leech, now producible through recombinant technology—as a potent thrombin inhibitor and potential anticoagulant/antithrombotic agent, comparing its pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, and clinical efficacy with heparin, and discussing laboratory assessment methods, clinical monitoring approaches, and possible ways of antagonizing its effects. The work is directly relevant to hirudotherapy and ASH's domain because it concerns a leech-derived anticoagulant and its modern pharmaceutical development. As a review and comparative study, the article synthesizes existing knowledge rather than presenting new experimental or clinical findings, and the abstract explicitly states that further laboratory and clinical studies, along with cost reductions, are required before r-hirudin can be more widely accepted as an anticoagulant and antithrombotic agent.

Citation

An objective perspective on recombinant hirudin: a new anticoagulant and antithrombotic agent.

Fareed J et al. · Blood coagulation & fibrinolysis : an international journal in haemostasis and thrombosis, 1991

DOI

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

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.