New Stroke Drug Offers Rapid Treatment Option for Israelis
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
A new stroke medication, Tenecteplase (TNK), which can be administered in seconds via injection, is expected to be available in Israel by early 2027. Approved in the US, TNK offers a faster and potentially more effective treatment for ischemic strokes compared to the current hour-long infusion method. Studies show comparable safety and better recovery rates for TNK patients. Over 16,000 stroke cases were recorded in Israel in 2023, highlighting the need for improved treatment options.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A new stroke drug, Tenecteplase (TNK), will soon be available in Israel, offering rapid injection treatment.
- TNK can be administered in seconds, significantly faster than the current hour-long intravenous drip for stroke treatment.
- Studies show TNK is as effective and safe as the current standard drug, Alteplase (tPA), with better recovery outcomes.
- Over 16,000 stroke cases were recorded in Israel in 2023, with only 11% receiving clot-busting treatment.
- Widespread use of TNK in Israel is anticipated by early 2027, gradually replacing the existing treatment standard.
- Prompt medical attention for stroke symptoms remains crucial, regardless of the treatment method.
A new medication for treating ischemic strokes, which are caused by blood clots blocking brain arteries, is set to become available in Israel soon. The drug, Tenecteplase (TNK), has already been approved in the United States and offers a faster alternative to current treatments. Unlike the standard intravenous drip method that takes about an hour, TNK can be administered in a single injection within seconds.
Ischemic strokes account for about 90% of all strokes. The primary treatment involves dissolving the blood clot to restore blood flow to the brain. While the older drug Alteplase (tPA) has been the standard for years, its administration requires a lengthy infusion. TNK, however, has shown comparable effectiveness and safety in studies, with a significant advantage in its rapid delivery.
Research published in 2024 in the journal Neurology indicated that patients treated with TNK experienced better recovery outcomes compared to those receiving tPA. Furthermore, studies suggest TNK may be particularly beneficial for patients requiring mechanical clot removal via catheterization, with improved blood flow restoration before the procedure. A large US study also showed that TNK administration led to quicker access to specialized care for stroke patients.
In Israel, over 16,000 stroke and transient ischemic attack cases were recorded in 2023, with only about 11% of ischemic stroke patients receiving clot-busting treatment. The Israeli Stroke Treatment Association has recommended preparing for TNK as a first-choice treatment, with widespread use anticipated by early 2027, gradually replacing the current standard.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved TNK for acute ischemic stroke treatment in March 2025, expanding its previous approval for heart attacks. New guidelines from American cardiology and stroke associations also recognize TNK as an equivalent alternative to tPA. Medical professionals emphasize that prompt medical attention remains critical, as time is of the essence in stroke treatment.
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