alteplase
A recombinant therapeutic agent which is chemically identical to or similar to endogenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). tPA is a serine protease which converts plasminogen to plasmin, a fibrinolytic enzyme. Upon administration, alteplase increases plasmin enzymatic activity, resulting in hyperfibrinolysis and potential dissolution of a thrombus or embolism.
| Synonym: | plasminogen activator (human tissue-type protein moiety) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator t-PA |
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| US brand name: | Activase |
| Abbreviation: | rt-PA |