Desmoteplase

Desmoteplase is an experimental drug, which is to be used for the treatment of ischemic stroke. It is also called Desmodus rotundus Salivary Plasminogen Activator ( DSPA ) or Draculin (obsolete ) and is composed of 411 amino acids an enzyme.

Natural Occurrence

Desmoteplase is in the saliva of vampire bats some, such as that which is common vampire ( Desmodus rotundus ), contain and was first described in 1966. As a natural factor X ( Xa) - and factor IX inhibitor, it prevents blood drinking bat curdle. After a vampire bite blood can flow up to eight hours from the wound.

As a medicine

Due to its anticoagulant properties Desmoteplase is a potential drug for the treatment of heart attacks and strokes. A recombinant form of the enzyme is in clinical trials in stroke. The recombinant protein was developed in the years 1988 to 1991 under the name DSPA ( Desmodus rotundus Salivary gland plasminogen activator ) in the laboratories of Schering AG, Berlin, and sold after the setting of Schering's Heart Hreislauf research on the company Paion. Desmoteplase is not currently approved as a drug and is developed after the acquisition of all hitherto remaining at Paion rights since 2012 by the company Lundbeck for admission. It is currently in phase III clinical trials.

The safety of use in humans has been studied in two Phase II trials. Here, there were also indications that Desmoteplase could affect the clinical outcome after a stroke cheap.

However, a further clinical trial showed the manufacturer in contrast to previous studies, when compared to placebo Desmoteplase provides no significant advantage. After further evaluations with Lundbeck, declared that they intend to continue the development.