Draculin

Draculin is a glycoprotein found in the saliva of vampire bats. It functions as a potent anticoagulant, inhibiting blood coagulation factor IXa and factor Xa. This action is crucial for the vampire bat's ability to feed effectively on blood, preventing the blood from clotting and ensuring a continuous flow while the bat is feeding. Draculin is highly specific in its inhibition of these coagulation factors and exhibits a long half-life in circulation. Research into draculin is ongoing to explore its potential therapeutic applications as a novel anticoagulant drug for the treatment or prevention of thrombosis and other blood clotting disorders in humans. Studies are being conducted to assess its efficacy, safety, and potential advantages compared to existing anticoagulant medications.