Controlled trials comparing reteplase with alteplase and streptokinase in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Although the ability of a thrombolytic agent to lyse a clot has been recognized for over 50 years, it was not until recently that this form of therapy was used to treat acute myocardial infarction. The need for rapid diagnosis and timely treatment to provide optimum outcomes and prognosis is now well established. Numerous clinical trials continue to examine alternative therapeutic regimens as well as the efficacy and safety of new agents to improve short- and long-term outcomes further. Reteplase is a new recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator with potential advantages over currently available agents.