Positioning Natrecor in CHF

Although Scios Inc. plans to proceed to the FDA with the positive Phase III results of its Natrecor b-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in acute congestive heart failure, the company still must address key issues to position the drug in a market with a number of existing products. The products used to treat CHF are almost entirely generic drugs, making them cheap, and although each has shortcomings, SCIO will need to convince a market that Natrecor is safer, better and easier to use.

CHF is a weakened condition of the heart that results in poor pumping function and lower flow of blood throughout the body. The kidneys interpret the lowered blood flow as hemorrhage somewhere in the body and react by retaining fluids, which leads to build-up of fluid in the lungs, less oxygen to the heart, and further impaired pumping function...