What I envision if Ancrod is approved is that the physician would have the option of using either TPA or Ancrod based on what would be best for that particular patient. Overall, TPA has been shown to be a little bit more effective than Ancrod, but it also carries a little bit more danger with the possibility of bleeding in the brain. The Stroke Association issued a statement in which it welcomed any medication that could potentially reduce death and disability from stroke. Unfortunately, in the UK, the systems are not in place to allow this to be done easily. The association said some blood clot 'busting' drugs were already on trial, but these needed to be administered at hospital within three hours of a stroke taking place.
Stroke is the third most common cause of death in England and Wales after heart disease and cancer.
Stroke is also the largest single cause of severe disability in England and Wales, with over 300,000 people being affected at any one time. Rattlesnake venom has been found to be effective in other drugs, including Integrilin, a heart drug. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.