Genentech and Boehringer Ingelheim are joining forces to develop the second-generation plasminogen activator TNK [TNK-tPA], which is their own recombinant version of the thrombolytic drug alteplase. Like the other recombinant agents (reteplase, lanoteplase and monteplase*), TNK has a longer half-life than alteplase. This means that it can be given as a single bolus in the acute-care setting. Two trials of the new thrombolytic agent were presented at the 19th Congress of the European Society of Cardiology [Stockholm, Sweden; August 1997], along with the results of 2 new studies of potential adjunctive therapies to thrombolysis.