Renown Regional Medical Center Using FDA-Approved TNKase® to Treat Ischemic Stroke
As Nevada’s only integrated academic health system and only Comprehensive Stroke Center in the region, Renown leads with advanced stroke care innovation to improve outcomes for patients.
Renown Regional Medical Center, the only Joint Commission-certified Comprehensive Stroke Center in northern Nevada since 2019, is now using the newly FDA-approved TNKase® (Tenecteplase) to treat eligible adults experiencing acute ischemic stroke- offering patients faster, more effective clot-dissolving treatment with improved outcomes.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved TNKase® for use in treating acute ischemic stroke in adults within 4.5 hours of symptom onset.
“TNKase® represents an important advancement in stroke care,” said Benjamin Tim Pence, DO, Medical Director of the Renown Institute for Neurosciences. “Compared to the traditional clot-busting drug alteplase (tPA), TNKase® is given as a single IV bolus rather than a one-hour infusion. This simplifies and accelerates treatment, allowing us to restore blood flow more quickly and potentially improving outcomes for our patients.”
A recent patient wrote, “I cannot praise the entire Renown team enough for saving my life or at the least saving me from paralysis. My husband took me to the Renown Regional Emergency Room with stroke symptoms. Turns out I was having a stroke. The check-in team helped me into the ER and quickly got me to the triage nurse. She did a couple of tests and quickly called for a “stroke protocol” and everyone sprung into action. A scan was immediately done; it indicated the place in my brain that was causing the stroke. I was rushed to surgery; the blood clot was removed. I was taken to the ICU for monitoring. The entire ICU team took such wonderful care of me, told me what to expect. They did everything they could to make me feel safe and comfortable. My stroke started around 4 pm on Wednesday and by noon on Friday I was released for the ICU was no lasting effects. I cannot remember everyone’s name that helped me but to a person they were simply the best. Every single person who helped me at Renown was so caring, took the time to explain things even though they were moving extremely fast. My results and recovery are miraculous to me and my family. I am so thankful my husband drove me to Renown Regional Medical Center.”
Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, account for more than one-third of all U.S. deaths and a leading cause of disability. Here in Washoe County, Nev., 3.4% of adults have been told by a health care provider that they had a stroke (2022, Nevadatomorrow.org).
As Nevada’s only integrated academic health system, Renown Health combines advanced clinical care with leading research, education, and community outreach. Through its partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Renown is expanding access to expert stroke care, training the next generation of physicians, and driving innovation in neuroscience and emergency medicine.
“Renown Regional’s Comprehensive Stroke Center designation reflects our ability to provide the highest level of stroke care,” said Seth Langevin, Vice President, Neuro, Cardiovascular and Rehabilitation. “It means we are here around the clock, on a 24/7 basis, providing advanced neuroimaging, rapid intervention, neurosurgical services, neurocritical care, thrombectomy and neurocritical care, and access to specialized stroke rehabilitation just next door at the adjacent Renown Rehabilitation Hospital at 1495 Mill St. in Reno.”
“Time is brain. Every minute counts,” said Bret Frey, MD, Director of Emergency Services of the Emergency Department at Renown, and Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. “The introduction of TNKase® is a genetically engineered thrombolytic (clot-busting drug) shown to be at least as effective as alteplase (tPA) but easier and faster to administer. This supports our commitment to faster, safer, and more effective stroke treatment for patients throughout the region. Since using TNKase® allows for faster intervention, patients can experience better outcomes after suffering a stroke. This improves our “door to needle time” for stroke care and aligns with stroke care best practices.”
Renown began using TNKase® in 2022 as a clinical trial, prior to receiving FDA approval, allowing its providers to use the intervention while further approvals were pursued. Renown physicians switched to TNKase® because it is a bioengineered version of Activase, which means that not only is the medication more durable and targeted, but it also allows for quicker treatment times. In addition, TNKase® appears in the treatment guidelines provided by the American Stroke Association.
“In addition,” says Dr. Pence, “having FDA approval for TNKase® means that rural health systems statewide will now also have increased access to this medicine. Since several rural hospitals rely on federal funding to advance care in their communities, TNKase® will be available to them as a part of their funding. Using TNKase® as a rapid IV push will keep stroke care closer to home for rural Nevadans. Renown also partners closely with EMS providers across northern Nevada to deliver rapid stroke recognition, triage, and treatment- ensuring patients receive the right care at the right time.”
“TNKase® is a lifesaving medication that can mean a world of difference in a patient’s stroke recovery process,” said Jamie Preston, RN, Nurse Navigator, Renown Institute for Neurosciences. “I personally witnessed a young female patient who recently delivered a baby come to Renown eight hours after her stroke-like symptoms started. Stroke imaging confirmed a clot causing a large stroke that would have left her debilitated and disabled. After receiving TNKase®, she regained functionality in her limbs and was able to speak again. We are happy to say that she and her baby are doing fine.”
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