Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) with tissue plasminogen activator (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, alteplase) within 4.5 hours of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) onset is an established and approved treatment.1, 8 The effect of IVT is time-dependent, and earlier treatment is associated with better outcomes.2 3 9 The use of IVT is increasing but still used in only 10–15% of all patients with ischaemic stroke. The gene discussed is PLAT; the disease is ischemic stroke.