Hirudin as alternative anticoagulant--a historical review
Review article published in Seminars in thrombosis and hemostasis (2002)
Abstract
Advances in separation techniques and biotechnology have contributed to the development of anticoagulant agents from hematophagous animals. The most potent known natural thrombin inhibitor from blood-sucking leeches ( Hirudo medicinalis), hirudin has served as a standard for designing the natural coagulation inhibitors as an anticoagulant drug. The search for the development of hirudin from leech extract to genetically engineered products as an alternative anticoagulant has been resumed. The pharmacological profiling of the isolated thrombin inhibitor has shown that native hirudin is an antithrombotic agent of high quality. However, its clinical use has remained limited, because the substance has not been available in adequate amounts. The progress in molecular biology has stimulated the interest in the structure and function of hirudin. This development resulted in the production of recombinant hirudins (r-hirudins) through gene technology. The biological properties of hirudin combined with the ready availability of recombinant forms make the specific thrombin inhibitor well-suited for use as an antithrombotic drug. Its use should lead to a decisive progress in the management of thromboembolic diseases of both arterial and venous origin. Clinical trials, especially in diseases in which thrombin plays a crucial role, are in progress.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Advances in separation techniques and biotechnology have contributed to the development of anticoagulant agents from hematophagous animals. The most potent known natural thrombin inhibitor from blood-sucking leeches ( Hirudo medicinalis), hirudin has served as a standard for designing the natural coagulation inhibitors as an anticoagulant drug.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Esta revisión examina el desarrollo histórico del hirudin — descrito como el inhibidor natural de trombina más potente conocido, procedente de sanguijuelas Hirudo medicinalis — como anticoagulante alternativo, trazando su progresión desde extractos de sanguijuela hasta productos recombinantes de tecnología genética. Es directamente relevante para la hirudoterapia y el ámbito de la ASH porque el hirudin es una molécula bioactiva definitoria derivada de sanguijuelas medicinales, y el resumen analiza su perfil farmacológico como agente antitrombótico de alta calidad adecuado para el manejo de enfermedades tromboembólicas arteriales y venosas. Como artículo de revisión, no proporciona datos originales de resultados experimentales ni clínicos, y su alcance se limita a resumir la biología molecular y el desarrollo farmacológico del hirudin. Además, el resumen señala que los ensayos clínicos estaban en curso al momento de la redacción, por lo que las afirmaciones sobre su eficacia reflejan las expectativas de los autores más que resultados finalizados.
Citación
Hirudin as alternative anticoagulant--a historical review.
Markwardt F · Seminars in thrombosis and hemostasis, 2002
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: March 18, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026