Sociedad Americana de Hirudoterapia

Lefaxin

Factor Xa inhibitor with anti-inflammatory properties.

Preclínico / mecanísticoLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Lefaxin 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 kDaLefaxin30 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Lefaxin (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-inflammatory properties.
Evidence level
In vitro
Drug vs leech
Purified natural compound
Safety domains
Bleeding

Clinical translation limit

Lefaxin's in vitro inhibition of Factor Xa does not establish clinical efficacy. No FDA-approved derivative exists. Mechanism is preclinical/biochemical only.

Molecular Profile

Category
Anticoagulant
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
30,000 Da
Source species
Haementeria depressa
Discovered
2003 · Faria et al.
Lefaxin molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • Factor Xa
  • Factor VII/tissue factor complex

Key Citations

  1. Faria F, Kelen EM, Sampaio CA, Bon C, Duval N, Chudzinski-Tavassi AM (1999), Thromb Haemost · PMID 10595640

External Resources

    Related Anticoagulant Compounds

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