alteplase + tyloxapol

Alteplase + tyloxapol is an investigational combination therapy being developed by the National University of Malaysia (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia) for the treatment of pleural infections, including complex parapneumonic effusion and empyema. The therapy consists of two active ingredients administered sequentially via intrapleural instillation: alteplase, a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) that acts as a fibrinolytic, and tyloxapol, a non-ionic surfactant with mucolytic properties. Alteplase functions by converting plasminogen to plasmin, which degrades fibrin loculations that often complicate pleural drainage. Tyloxapol acts to reduce the viscosity and surface tension of purulent pleural fluid, thereby enhancing the efficacy of drainage through intercostal catheters. This combination is currently being compared to the standard-of-care regimen of alteplase and dornase alfa (DNase) in clinical studies to evaluate its potential to improve drainage and reduce the need for surgical intervention.

Other names

t-PA + tyloxapolintrapleural alteplase-tyloxapol