Lepirudin
Lepirudin is a pharmaceutical drug that acts as an anticoagulant, specifically functioning as a direct thrombin inhibitor. It is used in the prevention and treatment of thrombotic events.
Brand and Generic Names[edit]
- Brand Name: Refludan
- Generic Name: Lepirudin rDNA for injection
Chemical Composition[edit]
Lepirudin is a recombinant version of hirudin, which is naturally found in the saliva of the medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis)[1]. The recombinant version is derived from yeast cells. Its structure is almost identical to the natural hirudin except for two modifications:
- Substitution of leucine for isoleucine at the N-terminal end
- Absence of a sulfate group on the tyrosine at position 63
Medical Use[edit]
Lepirudin is primarily employed as an anticoagulant in cases where patients exhibit heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. In such cases, traditional anticoagulants such as heparin (unfractionated or low-molecular-weight) may be contraindicated.
Market Withdrawal[edit]
In 2012, Bayer, the pharmaceutical company producing Lepirudin, announced its decision to cease its production. As of May 31, 2012, Lepirudin (Refludan) was no longer available in the market[2].
References[edit]
- ↑ , Antithrombotic Drug Therapy in Cardiovascular Disease. online version, Springer, ISBN 978-1-60327-234-6, Pages: 440–,
- ↑ http://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugsafety/drugshortages/ucm050794.htm
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