Alteplase

Abstract

Alteplase (recombinant human tissue type plasminogen activator, rt-PA) was identified as a naturally occurring plasminogen activator in 1975, cloned from a human melanoma cell line in 1981, introduced into clinical trials in 1982, and received a product licence for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction in 1986. The present review will concentrate on assessing its current status as a clinically effective thrombolytic agent, but will touch briefly on its biochemical, physiological and pharmacological properties. Since alteplase is an approved pharmaceutical name, the term tPA will be used to refer to the naturally occurring substance in its physiological context.