Peptide library / Heart & blood / Bivalirudin
Bivalirudin
A 20 amino acid blood thinner based on leech hirudin, used during heart procedures.
Effects studied or claimed
What it is used or promoted for, and where each effect has actually been seen
- Anticoagulation during angioplasty and stentsFDA approved
- Heparin-induced thrombocytopeniaFDA approved
How it is thought to work
Bivalirudin directly binds thrombin and blocks clot formation, and its effect wears off within minutes.
What the evidence shows
Trials in people having percutaneous coronary intervention showed less bleeding than heparin with a GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor.
Safety and unknowns
Bleeding is the main risk. Stent thrombosis in the first hours was seen in some studies.
Regulatory status
FDA-approved as Angiomax in 2000.
Regulatory status changes quickly. This entry was last reviewed on 27 October 2026. Confirm current status with the FDA before relying on it.
More in Heart & blood
Carperitide
FDA-approvedA recombinant atrial natriuretic peptide used for acute heart failure in Japan.
Cenderitide
In clinical trialsA chimeric natriuretic peptide designed to protect kidney function in heart failure.
Balixafortide
In clinical trialsA cyclic peptide CXCR4 blocker tested with chemotherapy in breast cancer.
General information, not medical advice. Do not buy or inject unregulated peptides.