Lepirudin

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Lepirudin sequence

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 | edit source]

  • Brand Name: Refludan
  • Generic Name: Lepirudin rDNA for injection

Chemical Composition[edit | edit source]

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 | edit source]

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 | edit source]

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 | edit source]


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD