Targeting Fibrinolytic Inhibition for Venous Thromboembolism Treatment: Overview of an Emerging Therapeutic Approach.

Venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (venous thromboembolism) are important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In patients with venous thromboembolism, thrombi obstruct blood vessels and resist physiological dissolution (fibrinolysis), which can be life threatening and cause chronic complications. Plasminogen activator therapy, which was developed >50 years ago, is effective in dissolving thrombi but has unacceptable bleeding risks.