title: The use of  desmoteplase  (bat saliva) in the treatment of ischaemia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  A peer reviewed literature search was conducted and focus was on the data on the use of desmoteplase in the treatment of ischaemic stroke.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors: Princess Royal University Hospital, Clinical Lead Hyper Acute Stroke Unit & Stroke Services, South London Healthcare Trust, Farnborough Common, BR6 8ND Orpington, Kent, UK. bartlomiejpj@gmail.com
authors: Bartlomiej
authors: B
authors: Piechowski-Jozwiak
authors: Julien
authors: J
authors: Bogousslavsky
mesh_terms: D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000628:therapy*; D010960:Plasminogen Activators / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C069588:salivary plasminogen activator alpha 1, Desmodus rotundus; D010960:Plasminogen Activators