Nesiritide: New hope for acute heart failure syndromes?

Abstract

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a peptide hormone that exerts cardiac, renal, and hormonal effects, and is produced by the myocardium as part of the compensatory response of the failing heart. The therapeutic benefits of exogenous BNP administration to patients with acute heart failure syndromes have been demonstrated, and recombinant human BNP (nesiritide) was licensed in the USA for the treatment of this condition in 2001. Recent studies have also found that the beneficial effects of BNP in patients with heart failure extend beyond haemodynamics, to include natriuretic, renoprotective, and anti-remodelling properties. New therapeutic opportunities for BNP are also under investigation, including the possibility of long-term use in patients with chronic congestive heart failure. © The European Society of Cardiology 2005. All rights reserved.