What is "lepirudin"

n. A recombinant hirudin derived from yeast cells, used as an anticoagulant.

Lepirudin is an anticoagulant that functions as a direct thrombin inhibitor.

Brand name: Refludan, Generic: Lepirudin rDNA for injection.

Lepirudin is a recombinant hirudin derived from yeast cells. It is almost identical to hirudin extracted from Hirudo medicinalis. It differs by the substitution of leucine for isoleucine at the N-terminal end of the molecule and the absence of a sulfate group on the tyrosine at position 63.

Lepirudin may be used as an anticoagulant when heparins (unfractionated or low-molecular-weight) are contraindicated because of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.