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rtPA
rtPA is a tissue plasminogen activator that converts plasminogen to plasmin, directly dissolving fibrin clots through fibrinolysis.
rtPA is a tissue plasminogen activator that converts plasminogen to plasmin, directly dissolving fibrin clots through fibrinolysis. Used for Acute ischemic stroke (within 3–4.5 hours of symptom onset), Acute myocardial infarction, Pulmonary embolism.
At a glance
| Generic name | rtPA |
|---|---|
| Also known as | alteplase |
| Sponsor | Hui-Sheng Chen |
| Drug class | Fibrinolytic agent; tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) |
| Target | Plasminogen; fibrin |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular; Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
rtPA binds to fibrin in thrombi and catalyzes the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, which degrades the fibrin matrix of blood clots. This mechanism enables rapid clot dissolution in acute thrombotic conditions. rtPA is selective for fibrin-bound plasminogen, which provides some selectivity for clot lysis over systemic fibrinolysis.
Approved indications
- Acute ischemic stroke (within 3–4.5 hours of symptom onset)
- Acute myocardial infarction
- Pulmonary embolism
Common side effects
- Intracranial hemorrhage
- Systemic bleeding
- Reperfusion arrhythmias
- Angioedema
Key clinical trials
- Ex Vivo Reproduction of Minimally Invasive Surgery With Hematoma Lysis Using Modified Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Intracerebral Hemorrhage
- Efficacy and Safety of Tenecteplase Bridging Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke (PHASE3)
- Nebulised Rt-PA for ARDS Due to COVID-19 (PHASE2)
- Fibrinogen Replacement to Prevent Intracranial Haemorrhage in Ischemic Stroke Patients After Thrombolysis (FibER) (PHASE3)
- Efficacy and Safety of SP-8203 (Otaplimastat) in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Receiving Thrombolytic Standard of Care (PHASE3)
- Low Dose Thrombolysis, Ultrasound Assisted Thrombolysis or Heparin for Intermediate High Risk Pulmonary Embolism (PHASE3)
- Safe Delivery of Thrombolytic Treatment for Pulmonary Embolism Using ClotPro® Viscoelastic Tests (NA)
- A Real-world Study of Tenecteplase Versus Alteplase for Thrombolysis in Patients Within 4.5 H of Onset of Ischemic Stroke
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- rtPA CI brief — competitive landscape report
- rtPA updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Hui-Sheng Chen portfolio CI