Introduction: In an era of ageing global populations and accumulation of cardiovascular risk factors, the importance of reperfusion/recanalisation therapies in treating vascular occlusive disease is growing. There are multiple thrombolytic agents available, including bat saliva-derived plasminogen activator.
Areas covered: A peer reviewed literature search was conducted and focus was on the data on the use of desmoteplase in the treatment of ischaemic stroke.
Expert opinion: Currently, there is not enough evidence for clinical use in ischaemic stroke and further Phase III studies are underway. At this stage, desmoteplase remains an investigational compound.