Alteplase

Alteplase is a recombinant plasminogen activator. Alteplase binds to fibrin and converts fibrin-bound plasminogen into plasmin. Plasmin degrades fibrin and the structural components of blood clots, thereby dissolving thrombi. Physiologically, alteplase has a high affinity for fibrin-bound plasminogen, allowing it to act selectively at thrombus sites without markedly affecting circulating plasminogen. This gives it greater clot-site selectivity compared with non-fibrin-selective thrombolytic agents.