Biochemical and pharmacologic comparison of thrombolytic agents.

The number of thrombolytic drugs for the management of acute myocardial infarction is rapidly expanding. New agents, some of which are biochemically modified versions of currently available thrombolytics, will soon arrive in the marketplace. The pharmacologic differences of the new drugs are the basis for clinical differences such as enhanced clot lysis and prolonged elimination half-life. Ultimately, these features may result in improved infarct artery patency and patient survival.