OTHER NEWS - May 13, 1994
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
Activase Value Questioned: An editorial in the current issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine said Genentech Inc.’s heart attack drug, genetically engineered tPA sold as Activase, is only slightly more effective than streptokinase--which costs about one-tenth as much--and should be used only on a limited basis. TPA has long been the subject of medical controversy over its advantages and cost. A House subcommittee was also reported to be looking into a major 1993 study about the medication. Both drugs, known as thrombolytics or “clot-busters,” are given to patients shortly after a heart attack. Genentech shares closed down 62.5 cents at $46.125 on the New York Stock Exchange after tumbling as low as $44 earlier in the day.
