A new medication aimed at improving treatment for ischemic stroke patients is now available in several hospitals in Jujuy province, including those in Perico, Humahuaca, and Susques. The drug, Tenecteplase, has been incorporated into Argentina’s healthcare system over the past year.
Miguel Salva, a physician involved with the Provincial Stroke Network, explained the benefits of this new therapy. “Approximately a year ago, a new medication for use in patients with ischemic stroke was incorporated in Argentina: Tenecteplase. It is a new molecule that has changes in its structure and this allows for much simpler administration,” said Salva.
He compared Tenecteplase to the previously used Alteplase. “Before, we used Alteplase, a medication that requires an infusion pump, trained personnel, one hour of administration, and complex logistics especially in areas not familiar with that technology,” Salva noted.
Describing the process for administering Tenecteplase, Salva added: “The new drug is administered as a 10-second bolus; that is, it is injected intravenously in a single dose directly into the bloodstream to achieve an immediate therapeutic effect as it dissolves blood clots and restores cerebral flow. This allows us to quickly have the patient ready for transfer so they can be safely moved.”
This year marked the first use of Tenecteplase in Jujuy province. “This year we had the opportunity to use this medication for the first time with a patient who arrived at Hospital Zabala de Perico meeting all criteria for this drug. This allowed the patient to be treated on the same CT scanner where diagnosis was made; the medication was administered and quickly transferred for further treatment required by this condition,” Salva said.
Salva emphasized that access to Tenecteplase helps improve logistics within public health facilities. “Having this drug available in the public network helps us improve logistics. In cases of stroke, anything we do to reduce treatment times impacts final outcomes; this resource has great impact on rapid execution of stroke protocols across the province,” he stated.
The Ministry of Health has historically purchased older medications but now also acquires Tenecteplase at similar cost. The supply began at Hospital Zabala due to its large population served and is also present in Susques and Humahuaca. Plans are underway to extend availability to all hospitals within Jujuy’s public health network.
Regarding efforts to strengthen acute stroke response throughout Jujuy, Salva said: “Together with Dr. Flavia Cazón we have worked for several years on acute management of this condition which is very prevalent worldwide and also in Jujuy. With different health institutions across the province we developed protocols according to each one’s level of complexity.”
“Last year we held meetings at almost all second-level hospitals and established action plans for teams facing emergency situations such as initial management of ischemic stroke patients—achieved thanks to multidisciplinary work from institutions and special collaboration from directors. We also continue projects aimed at provincial coverage and updates according to global management guidelines,” Salva concluded.
