Hirudin is a naturally occurring peptide in the salivary glands of medicinal leeches. It can prevent blood clots and treat skin hematomas and varicose veins.
It is difficult to extract large amounts of hirudin from natural sources. SRI researchers developed a method for producing and purifying it, and patented a series of compounds and compositions for its use as antithrombotic and anticoagulant agents.
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