recombinant hirudin

Recombinant hirudin is a **recombinant protein anticoagulant** that acts as a direct, highly specific, and irreversible inhibitor of thrombin (factor IIa). It is structurally similar to the natural peptide hirudin, originally isolated from the medicinal leech (*Hirudo medicinalis*), with minor modifications depending on the recombinant variant and expression system. Recombinant hirudin blocks both free and clot-bound thrombin, thus effectively inhibiting thrombus formation. Because natural sources provide very limited quantities, recombinant biotechnology techniques (using yeast, bacteria, or other systems) have enabled large-scale safe production. Recombinant hirudin and its variants, such as lepirudin and desirudin, are primarily indicated for the treatment and prevention of thrombotic disorders, especially in patients with **heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)**. The drug may have a role in other prothrombotic conditions such as acute coronary syndromes and during extracorporeal circulation. Its use carries a risk of bleeding, and dose adjustment is needed in renal impairment due to renal elimination[2][3][4][5][6].

Brand names

ThrombexxExtrauma

Other names

rHirudinrHhirudin (recombinant)recombinant leech hirudinleech-derived recombinant hirudin