alteplase

Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA), specifically known by the international nonproprietary name (INN) alteplase, is a recombinant serine protease that functions as a thrombolytic agent. It acts by binding to fibrin within a thrombus and selectively converting cell-bound plasminogen into active plasmin, which subsequently degrades the fibrin matrix to dissolve the clot. Developed by Genentech and marketed under the brand name Activase, alteplase is FDA-approved for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, acute myocardial infarction, acute massive pulmonary embolism, and occluded central venous catheters. Additionally, it is being investigated as an intraperitoneal adjunctive therapy in combination with DNase to treat peritonitis in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis, where it helps break down the fibrin-rich, debris-laden environment that shields pathogens and reduces antimicrobial efficacy.

Brand names

ActilyseActivaseCathflo Activase

Other names

recombinant human tissue-type plasminogen activatorrecombinant tissue plasminogen activatorrt-PArtPAt-PAt-plasminogen activatortissue plasminogen activatortissue-type plasminogen activatortPA