Third Generation Thrombolytic Agents in the Guidance of Trials

Third Generation Thrombolytic Agents in the Guidance of Trials Third generation thrombolytic agents were developed to have prolonged half-lives, improved enzymatic efficiency, resistance to plasma protease inhibitors and fibrin binding selectivity. Reteplase, tenecteplase, lanoteplase, monteplase, pamiteplase and staphylokinase are third generation thrombolytic agents. A common feature of these agents is their prolonged half-life in plasma, this makes them suitable for single or repeated bolus injections. Compared with the second generation agents, third generation thrombolytic agents result in a greater angiographic patency rate in patients with acute myocardial infarction. However, mortality rates have been similar. (Türk Kardiyol Dern Arş 2004; 32: 564-570)