The fibrinolytic system and its pharmacologic activation for thrombolysis.

When in 1977 the Food and Drug Administration approved streptokinase for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, a new and exciting field of therapies was opened up for the clinician. In the period since the approval of streptokinase, the number of pharmacologic agents that activate the fibrinolytic system for thrombolysis has increased. Hence, this article reviews the history of this evolving field of therapies.