​In order to conduct more detailed research on medical leeches, a medical leech unit was established within our institution in 2015. In 2021, the area was expanded, and the Medical Leech Research and Production Center was established to carry out both qualified research activities and meet the sector's need for hygienic medical leeches.

In this center, research and production activities continue to establish the production standards for the species. The facility where leech research and production activities are carried out has a production capacity of 20,000 units (2000 kg) with 27 production tanks. The facility, designed as a closed circuit system, includes a filtration unit, production tanks, and workrooms. Currently, the facility has 6500 juvenile and 450 broodstock leeches. The medical leeches (Hirudo verbana) produced in the center are primarily used in various research trials, and the surplus leeches are released into wetlands around Eğirdir Lake to strengthen natural stocks. In 2023, within the Medical Leech Research and Production Center of the Institute, 600 Hirudo verbana broodstock were taken into production, resulting in 2300 cocoons and 12835 medical leech juveniles.