Novel Thrombolytics for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Challenges and Opportunities

Progress in finding a better alternative to alteplase has been slow. Tenecteplase and desmoteplase have better pharmacological profiles compared with alteplase, but definite clinical evidence of their superiority is lacking. The two major phase III studies that have tested the efficacy and safety of desmoteplase in ischemic stroke patients have shown neutral results and a promising safety profile, but the trials compared desmoteplase with placebo only in late admitted patients. Future trials should focus on testing novel thrombolytics in the early time window either as the sole acute recanalizing treatment or combined with thrombectomy.