Starting May 2, Tenecteplase will be reimbursed in Belgium, with a price of €852.20 per vial (25mg), which is in line with the price of Alteplase (thrombolytic agent currently used in acute stroke care).
What is Tenecteplase?
Tenecteplase is a genetically modified variant of alteplase, designed to provide several key advantages in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. It has a higher specificity for fibrin, which means it more effectively targets the clot.
In addition, Tenecteplase has a longer half-life than alteplase, enabling it to be administered as a single bolus dose. The simplified dosing regimen (dose adaptation to weight in steps of 10kg instead of 1kg) makes it easier to administer. This simplifies the treatment process, eliminating the need for the continuous infusion required with alteplase and reducing the chances of dosing errors.
Research shows that Tenecteplase is at least as effective as alteplase in achieving successful reperfusion and improving patient outcomes. Moreover, Tenecteplase has been shown to be as safe as alteplase, offering a valuable option for stroke care.
If you are interested, read here the recommendation on the use of tenecteplase by ESO published in 2023.