In what aspect does tenecteplase differ from traditional tissue plasminogen activators?

Tenecteplase differs from traditional tissue plasminogen activators primarily in its structural design. This engineered form of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) has been modified to improve its pharmacokinetic properties, enabling it to have a longer half-life and enhanced fibrin specificity. These structural differences contribute to its effectiveness, allowing for a single-bolus administration rather than the continuous infusion typically required for traditional tPAs, making tenecteplase more convenient for use in acute settings such as ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

The other aspects mentioned, such as cost, route of administration, and cardiovascular effects, are not primarily defining factors when distinguishing tenecteplase from traditional tPAs, as the innovations in structural design are what set it apart in terms of functionality and clinical usage.