New Stroke Drug to Become Available in Israel After US Approval
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
A new stroke medication, Tenecteplase (TNK), has been approved in the U.S. and is expected to be available in Israel soon. This drug dissolves blood clots causing ischemic strokes and can be administered via a quick injection, unlike current hour-long infusions. Studies show it is as effective as existing treatments with fewer risks and may improve patient recovery and transfer to specialized centers.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A new stroke drug, Tenecteplase (TNK), is coming to Israel after U.S. approval.
- TNK dissolves blood clots causing ischemic strokes, which account for 90% of strokes.
- The new drug is administered via a rapid single injection, unlike current hour-long infusions.
- TNK is as effective as existing treatments but with a lower risk of brain hemorrhage.
- Studies suggest TNK improves blood flow restoration and patient recovery outcomes.
- The drug can speed up patient transfer to specialized stroke centers.
A new medication for treating ischemic strokes, which are caused by blood clots blocking arteries to the brain, is expected to become available in Israel soon, following its approval in the United States. The drug, Tenecteplase (TNK), is designed to dissolve these clots. Approximately nine out of ten strokes are ischemic, and the new treatment is reported by Ynet to be as effective as existing medications but with a lower risk of dangerous brain hemorrhaging.
Unlike current treatments that are administered intravenously over approximately an hour, TNK can be given in a single, rapid injection directly into a vein, lasting only seconds. This significantly speeds up the process. While older recommendations allowed for treatment within 4.5 hours of symptom onset, recent U.S. guidelines have expanded this window. The previous standard treatment, Alteplase (tPA), involved an initial dose followed by an hour-long infusion, requiring specific equipment and time.
Research indicates that TNK may also improve outcomes in cases of large artery blockages. In one study, it helped restore blood flow before intervention in 22% of patients, compared to 10% with tPA. Furthermore, patients receiving TNK showed better recovery results three months later. The drug can also expedite the transfer of patients to specialized stroke centers, a crucial factor for Israel where such procedures are not available in all hospitals.
A July 2026 analysis of over 133,000 U.S. patients showed that TNK administration led to faster access to care and catheterization. While TNK is a significant advancement, it does not replace essential diagnostic procedures like brain imaging or catheterization when necessary, but rather streamlines a critical phase of stroke treatment.
