Tenecteplase for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Analyzing New Results

Two studies with divergent results show that more study is needed.

Alteplase (tissue plasminogen activator, t-PA) has been the global standard for treating patients with acute ischemic stroke who meet treatment criteria. However, interest is rising in tenecteplase (TNK) as an off-label alternative. Advantages of TNK include greater fibrin specificity and ease of administration, with a single bolus injection instead of a 1-hour infusion. Two new studies provide information on TNK for acute stroke.

In a phase 3 trial, Kvistad and colleagues tested TNK (at a higher dose, 0.4 mg/kg, than is commonly administered) against t-PA (0.9 mg/kg) at 11 hospitals in Norway. Patients were treated within 4.5 hours after stroke onset. The primary outcome was 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–1, indicating excel…

Reviewing Author

Seemant Chaturvedi, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBayer Pharmaceuticals; Novartis

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Editorial BoardsNeurology; Stroke

Seemant Chaturvedi, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBayer Pharmaceuticals; Novartis

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Editorial BoardsNeurology; Stroke

Tenecteplase for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Analyzing New Results

Topics

Reviewing Author