Tenecteplase for treating acute ischaemic stroke

Tenecteplase is in clinical development for acute ischaemic stroke in adults. Acute ischaemic stroke is caused by clots blocking blood vessels, which cuts off the blood supply to parts of the brain. Without blood supply, brain cells can be damaged or destroyed due to lack of oxygen and nutrients. Symptoms include numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body, and often problems with speech and swallowing. The risk of stroke is increased by factors including age, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus type 2 and high cholesterol. Treatments to restore blood flow to the brain include alteplase, which dissolves blood clots; or thrombectomy, where large blood clots are removed mechanically. Both of these treatments require rapid administration after the stroke to be effective.