Sociedad Americana de Hirudoterapia

Ghilanten

Factor Xa inhibitor with anti-metastatic activity in animal cancer models — translational dual-use compound.

Preclínico / mecanísticoLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Ghilanten compared with other characterized leech-derived compoundsHementerin80 kDaHementin80 kDaHementin-Like Protein (HLP-1)80 kDaLeech Collagenase70 kDaHaemadipsa yanyuanensis Progr…70 kDaLeech Apyrase67 kDaCalin65 kDaHyaluronidase60 kDaAntithrombin III binding prot…58 kDaCollagenolytic Fibrinolysin55 kDaLeech Thrombospondin-Like Pro…50 kDaGhilanten15 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Ghilanten (highlighted) alongside other characterized leech salivary compounds. Smaller proteins/peptides generally diffuse and act faster.

Mechanistic Evidence Box

Preclinical / mechanistic
Page type
Compound profile
Evidence type
Factor Xa inhibitor with anti-metastatic activity in animal cancer models — translational dual-use compound.
Evidence level
Preclinical (animal)
Drug vs leech
Purified natural compound
Safety domains
Bleeding

Clinical translation limit

Ghilanten's preclinical anticoagulant and anti-metastatic activity does NOT establish clinical efficacy for any indication. No FDA-approved derivative exists; anti-cancer claims rest on animal models alone.

Molecular Profile

Category
Anticoagulant
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
15,000 Da
Source species
Haementeria ghilianii
Discovered
1990 · Blankenship DT et al.
Ghilanten molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • Factor Xa

Key Citations

  1. Blankenship DT, Brankamp RG, Manley GD, Cardin AD (1990), Biochem Biophys Res Commun · PMID 2306252
  2. Brankamp RG, Manley GG, Blankenship DT, Bowlin TL, Cardin AD (1991), Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis · PMID 1772984

External Resources

    Related Anticoagulant Compounds

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