Description
Hirudin is the most potent natural thrombin-specific protease inhibitor, and is originally derived in the salivary glands of the medicinal leech. Unlike heparin, hirudin act directly on thrombin, rather than through other clotting factors. They have a high binding affinity and specificity for thrombin. Therefore, hirudin prevents or dissolves the formation of clots and thrombi, and has therapeutic value in blood coagulation disorders, in the treatment of skin hematomas and of superficial varicose veins, either as an injectable or a topical application cream