Hirudin is a potent thrombin-specific protease inhibitor. It forms a stable non-covalent complex with alpha-thrombin, thereby abolishing its ability to cleave fibrinogen. Available under the name Refludan (Hoechst Marion Roussel). Used to treat heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Belongs to the protease inhibitor I14 (hirudin) family. Clinical information on Refludan