American Society of Hirudotherapy

Production and evaluation of recombinant hirudin

Basic science / preclinical published in Seminars in thrombosis and hemostasis (1989)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewDrug DevelopmentGenomics & ProteomicsSalivary PharmacologyClinical TrialsCourtney M et al. · Seminars in thrombosis and hemostasis, 1989

Abstract

Hirudin, a 65 amino acid polypeptide form the medicinal leech, is an extremely efficient and specific thrombin inhibitor whose therapeutic potential has been demonstrated in a number of animal models. We have developed protocols for the production of recombinant hirudin by secretion from S. cerevisiae and carried out a full biologic evaluation of the purified product. These studies showed that natural and recombinant hirudin was similar in structure and in biologic function in vitro. Moreover, the recombinant protein displayed strong antithrombotic activity in several experimental thrombosis models in vivo, confirming the molecule's promise in the therapy of thrombotic disorders.

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

Publication typeJournal ArticleReview
Indexed MeSH termsAmino Acid SequenceAnimalsCloning, MolecularEscherichia coliGene ExpressionHirudin TherapyHirudinsMolecular Sequence DataRecombinant ProteinsSaccharomyces cerevisiaeThrombosis

Summary

Hirudin, a 65 amino acid polypeptide form the medicinal leech, is an extremely efficient and specific thrombin inhibitor whose therapeutic potential has been demonstrated in a number of animal models.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study examined protocols for producing recombinant hirudin—a 65 amino acid polypeptide from the medicinal leech that functions as a specific thrombin inhibitor—through secretion from S. cerevisiae, and evaluated the purified product against natural hirudin for structural similarity, in vitro biologic function, and in vivo antithrombotic activity in experimental thrombosis models. This work is relevant to hirudotherapy because hirudin is a leech-derived molecule with demonstrated therapeutic potential, and the finding that recombinant and natural forms are similar in structure and function supports biotechnological production as an alternative source of this antithrombotic agent. The scope is limited to the isolated hirudin molecule; it does not involve live leech therapy or other leech salivary components, and the in vivo antithrombotic activity was demonstrated in experimental animal models rather than human subjects.

Citation

Production and evaluation of recombinant hirudin.

Courtney M et al. · Seminars in thrombosis and hemostasis, 1989

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.