Lepirudin
From PeptidePlaza, the free peptide reference · Entry #1086 · Recovery · Sources fetched 2026-09-11 · Editorial standards
Lepirudin (also known as Refludan, Refludin, Lepirudin recombinant, 1-Leu-2-thr-63-desulfohirudin) is a recovery research peptide. Lepirudin is a recombinant hirudin derivative that functions as a direct thrombin inhibitor. It is FDA-approved for anticoagulation.
Lepirudin is a direct thrombin inhibitor, a class of anticoagulant medications. It is a recombinant form of hirudin, a naturally occurring anticoagulant found in the saliva of medicinal leeches. Lepirudin works by binding specifically to thrombin, thereby inhibiting its procoagulant activity. It is FDA-approved for anticoagulation in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and associated thromboembolic disease. Research on lepirudin has explored its use in thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, and thromboembolism, with some early phase studies also investigating its potential in lung neoplasms. The literature includes reviews on lepirudin and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
1 Mechanism of action
Thrombin inhibitor (inhibitor)
2 Reported effects
Effects below are those reported in the published literature cited on this page. They are not claims of clinical benefit and not medical advice.
2.1 Indicated / studied for
- Thrombosis
- Thrombocytopenia
- Thromboembolism
3 Chemical and physical properties
| CAS number | 138068-37-8 |
|---|---|
| Molar mass | 6979 g/mol |
| Purity (typical) | Not independently verified |
| Storage | −20 °C, lyophilised powder, desiccated |
| Solubility | Sterile water / bacteriostatic water |
4 Research studies (8)
- Lepirudin
(2006) · Review - Bivalirudin
Thrombosis and haemostasis (2008) · Review - Think of HIT
Hematology. American Society of Hematology. Education Program (2006) · Review - Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Hematology/oncology clinics of North America (2007) · Review - [Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia]
Der Internist (2010) · Review - Treatment and prevention of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines
Chest (2012) · Review - Direct thrombin inhibitors
Seminars in hematology (2002) · Review - Direct thrombin inhibitors
British journal of clinical pharmacology (2011) · Review
5 Safety and risk profile
5.1 Regulatory status
Lepirudin is currently classified as FDA approved. Approval applies to specific clinical indications and dosing; research-grade material is not the approved product.
6 Frequently asked questions
- What is lepirudin?
- Lepirudin is a recombinant form of hirudin, a peptide that acts as a direct thrombin inhibitor. It is used as an anticoagulant medication.
- What is lepirudin used for?
- Lepirudin is used for anticoagulation in patients who have heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and related thromboembolic disease. It has also been studied for thrombosis and thrombocytopenia.
- How does lepirudin work?
- Lepirudin works by directly inhibiting thrombin, a key enzyme in the blood clotting cascade. By binding to thrombin, it prevents the formation of blood clots.
- Is lepirudin FDA approved?
- Yes, lepirudin is an FDA-approved medication. It received its first approval in 1997.
7 References
- Lepirudin — compound summary PubChem. View source
- Lepirudin — molecule record ChEMBL. View source
- Lepirudin — published literature (494 records) PubMed. View source
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