butylphthalide + alteplase

Butylphthalide + alteplase is a combination therapy investigated for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Butylphthalide (NBP) is a multi-target neuroprotective small molecule originally isolated from the seeds of *Apium graveolens* (celery). It acts through several mechanisms, including increasing regional cerebral blood flow, reconstructing microcirculation in the ischemic area, protecting mitochondrial function, and inhibiting neuronal apoptosis and autophagy. Alteplase (rtPA) is a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator that serves as the standard-of-care thrombolytic agent; it catalyzes the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, which subsequently dissolves fibrin clots. This specific combination has been the subject of clinical research led by Hui-Sheng Chen, most notably in the BRAIS trial, which evaluates whether the addition of butylphthalide to standard thrombolytic therapy improves functional recovery and reduces disability in stroke patients.

Brand names

EnbupuActivaseCathflo

Other names

butylphthalide + recombinant tissue plasminogen activatorDL-3-n-butylphthalide + alteplaseNBP + alteplase