Alteplase for ischaemic stroke - Stroke Association statement

• An article was published in Volume 384, Issue 9944 of the Lancet about the use of alteplase for ischaemic stroke.
• The Commission on Human Medicines has advised that an expert working group will review information for the use of alteplase in the treatment of ischaemic stroke.
• Alteplase is used in a treatment called thrombolysis, it can break down and disperse a clot that is preventing blood from reaching the brain. Not all stroke patients are eligible for thrombolysis. At present only 15% of people who are admitted to hospital with a stroke are eligible to receive it.

Jon Barrick, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association, said:

“Stroke devastates lives. Thrombolysis is part of great progress in stroke treatment. The licensing of Alteplase is based on the results of rigorous research to treat stroke.

“No treatment is without risks. The NICE recommendation on the use of Alteplase is based on current evidence that shows overall the benefits outweigh the risks. Eligible patients treated with thrombolysis are more likely to have a good outcome and more people are surviving stroke and leading independent lives.”