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Leech Saliva Medically Helps With Anti-coagulation
January 13, 2014; Posted by: WeBleed staff
Companies looking to develop leech saliva for anti-coagulation drugs.
Leeches have been used in the medical field for years. The Food and Drug Administration approved leeches as “medical devices” in 2004 with their primary uses is in reconstructive surgery and microsurgery to help return blood flow to severed veins.
However, there is more to these small worms than meet the eye. Their saliva is used to prevent clotting disorders like deep vein thrombosis and are the basis for some anti-coag pharmaceuticals on the market today.
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Photo Credit – Wikipedia “Leech”
