New plasminogen activators: A clinical review

Abstract

Rapid restoration of patency of the infarct-related artery is the key to preserving myocardium and improving survival. This understanding has led to the application of genetic engineering to develop new plasminogen activators with specific clinical features. These novel activators may provide faster and more complete reperfusion in a greater number of patients, and do so with less risk of bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage. This article reviews the pharmacologic profiles and clinical performance of several novel plasminogen activators engineered from the human tissue plasminogen activator molecule or developed from animal and bacterial proteins.