Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is classified as a serine protease (an enzyme that cleaves peptide bonds in proteins). It is thus 1 of the essential components of blood clot dissolution. Its primary function includes catalyzing the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, the primary enzyme involved in dissolving blood clots. Recombinant biotechnology has enabled the manufacture of tPA in laboratories, and these synthetic products are known as recombinant tissue plasminogen activators (rt-PA). These drugs have undergone various modifications to amplify their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, particularly by prolonging their short half-life in circulation and increasing their fibrin specificity to prevent an unwanted fibrinolytic state. Examples of these drugs include alteplase, reteplase, and tenecteplase. Indications for the use of tPA include the following:
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