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Novel Thrombolytics for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Challenges and Opportunities

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Abstract

Progress in finding a better alternative to alteplase has been slow. Tenecteplase and desmoteplase have better pharmacological profiles compared with alteplase, but definite clinical evidence of their superiority is lacking. The two major phase III studies that have tested the efficacy and safety of desmoteplase in ischemic stroke patients have shown neutral results and a promising safety profile, but the trials compared desmoteplase with placebo only in late admitted patients. Future trials should focus on testing novel thrombolytics in the early time window either as the sole acute recanalizing treatment or combined with thrombectomy.

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Acknowledgments

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Funding

The authors did not receive any funding for the preparation of this manuscript.

Disclosure

NL is the principal investigator of the NOR-TEST study. CEK and AN are part of the NOR-TEST executive working group. LT is the study chair of the NOR-TEST study. NOR-TEST is an investigator-driven academic trial with no bindings to pharmaceutical companies. NOR-TEST is supported by a 3-year grant from the Norwegian Research Council (Project No. 229006).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021, Bergen, Norway

    Nicola Logallo, Christopher E. Kvistad, Aliona Nacu & Lars Thomassen

  2. Center for Neurovascular Diseases, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021, Bergen, Norway

    Nicola Logallo, Christopher E. Kvistad, Aliona Nacu & Lars Thomassen

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  1. Nicola Logallo
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Correspondence to Nicola Logallo.

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Logallo, N., Kvistad, C.E., Nacu, A. et al. Novel Thrombolytics for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Challenges and Opportunities. CNS Drugs 30, 101–108 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-015-0307-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-015-0307-2

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