New Stroke Injection Drug Set to Revolutionize Treatment in Israel
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
A new stroke medication, Tenecteplase (TNK), administered in a rapid injection, is set to arrive in Israel soon, offering a faster alternative to the current hour-long infusion treatment. Studies show TNK is at least as effective as the older drug Alteplase (tPA) and simplifies medical procedures, especially for patients requiring mechanical thrombectomy. The drug was approved by the FDA in March 2025 and is expected to be registered in Israel by early 2027, gradually replacing tPA. Medical experts stress that despite treatment advancements, prompt arrival at the hospital remains critical for saving brain tissue.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A new stroke drug, Tenecteplase (TNK), administered in seconds, is coming to Israel.
- TNK offers a faster and simpler alternative to the current hour-long Alteplase infusion treatment.
- Studies show TNK is as effective as, or potentially more effective than, Alteplase (tPA).
- The drug simplifies procedures, especially for patients needing mechanical thrombectomy.
- TNK is expected to be registered in Israel by early 2027, gradually replacing Alteplase.
- Prompt hospital arrival remains crucial for effective stroke treatment, regardless of medication.
A new stroke medication, Tenecteplase (TNK), which can be administered via a rapid intravenous injection within seconds, is expected to soon become available in Israel. This represents a significant advancement over the current standard treatment, Alteplase (tPA), which requires a lengthy infusion lasting about an hour. TNK has already been approved and is in use in several countries worldwide.
Stroke treatment is a race against time, as every minute of blocked blood flow to the brain results in irreversible damage to millions of nerve cells. The current standard treatment, Alteplase, while effective, requires complex preparation and administration due to its hour-long infusion. TNK's single, quick injection simplifies the process for medical teams, allowing them to focus on subsequent life-saving measures.
Clinical studies and meta-analyses, including a large one published in Neurology in 2024, indicate that TNK is at least as effective as tPA, and in some cases may offer superior outcomes. A meta-analysis of over 7,500 patients showed a statistically significant higher chance of good recovery for those treated with TNK compared to tPA. Safety profiles are also comparable, with similar risks of brain hemorrhage.
TNK offers particular advantages in cases requiring mechanical thrombectomy (clot removal via catheter). Studies suggest that TNK can facilitate faster reperfusion of the affected brain area even before the thrombectomy begins. Furthermore, for patients needing transfer to a hospital equipped for thrombectomy, TNK treatment can expedite their transfer, a critical factor in a country like Israel where not all hospitals are equipped for the procedure.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved TNK for acute ischemic stroke in March 2025, after years of approval for heart attacks. International guidelines now consider it an equivalent alternative to tPA. In Israel, the Israeli Society for Stroke is recommending preparation for TNK as the preferred treatment, with its registration expected to conclude around early 2027, after which it will gradually replace Alteplase.
Despite these advancements, medical professionals emphasize that rapid identification of stroke symptoms and immediate transport to a hospital, preferably by ambulance, remain paramount. Dr. Rom Mandel, Director of the Stroke Service at Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital, stressed that "Time is Brain," and even the most advanced medication cannot help if not administered promptly.