Plasmin

Plasminogen is a pro-enzyme (i.e. a zymogen) which is cleaved to form plasmin - also known as fibrinolysin - as part of the fibrinolytic pathway that breaks down fibrin blood clots. This pathway is activated when a clot is no longer needed or to prevent a clot from extending beyond the site of injury.

In June 2021, the FDA approved a plasma-derived plasminogen (Ryplazim, human plasminogen-tvmh) for the treatment of type 1 plasminogen deficiency (hypoplasminogenemia). It is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for this condition, which causes wood-like lesions to form on the mucous membranes of patients, providing an unmet medical need for patients with this rare congenital disease.