**Core Concept**
Alteplase is a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) used in the management of acute ischemic stroke and pulmonary embolism. Its half-life is a critical pharmacokinetic parameter that influences its efficacy and safety profile.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Alteplase is metabolized by plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and has a half-life of approximately 5-10 minutes in the systemic circulation. This short half-life is due to its rapid degradation by PAI-1, which is a natural inhibitor of plasminogen activators. As a result, alteplase is administered as a bolus injection, followed by a continuous infusion to maintain its thrombolytic activity.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because alteplase has a much shorter half-life than a typical peptide hormone or protein.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because alteplase is not a substrate for the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, which is responsible for the metabolism of many drugs.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because alteplase is not a prodrug that requires metabolic conversion to its active form.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The short half-life of alteplase necessitates continuous infusion to maintain its thrombolytic activity, which is a key difference from other thrombolytic agents like streptokinase.

**Correct Answer: D. 5-10 minutes**