WASHINGTON, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Scios Inc. (Nasdaq: SCIO) announced
today that ten abstracts related to its recently launched new drug,
Natrecor(R) (nesiritide), are being presented this week at the Fifth Annual
Scientific Meeting of the Heart Failure Society of America, the premier
meeting of clinicians who treat heart failure in the United States.
"This meeting provides us with a great opportunity to educate key
prescribers about the potential clinical and pharmacoeconomic benefits of
Natrecor," said Richard B. Brewer, president and chief executive officer of
Scios. "Since launching Natrecor last month, we have found that clinicians
are excited to learn more about it. In addition to the abstracts at this
meeting, we also sponsored two symposia, giving this important group
additional opportunities to learn more about how Natrecor could help their
patients."
Data for the abstracts was derived from the 498-patient VMAC (Vasodilation
in the Management of Acute Congestive Heart Failure) trial and the 255-patient
PRECEDENT (Prospective Randomized Evaluation of Cardiac Ectopy with Dobutamine
or Nesiritide Therapy) trial. VMAC compared the effects of Natrecor, IV
nitroglycerin and placebo, when added to standard therapy in patients
hospitalized with acutely decompensated congestive heart failure (ADCHF).
PRECEDENT evaluated the safety and efficacy of Natrecor compared to dobutamine
in patients with ADCHF.
These studies formed the basis of the recent FDA approval of Natrecor.
Natrecor is Scios' recombinant form of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), a
natural protein secreted by the heart in response to heart failure.
A highlight among the abstracts being presented at the meeting was a
pharmacoeconomic analysis derived from the PRECEDENT trial and an earlier
trial. Using a standard pharmacoeconomic model, the analysis suggests
favorable pharmacoeconomic implications of Natrecor versus dobutamine, a
commonly used inotropic agent.
The 10 abstracts that will be presented are:
VMAC:
Effects of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure Patients Receiving
Beta-Blockers.
-- Abraham W for the VMAC Investigators.
The Lack of Ischemic Cardiovascular Adverse Events with Nesiritide and
Nitroglycerin in the Treatment of Acute Heart Failure.
-- Elkayam U for the VMAC Investigators.
Limitations of Commonly Used Titrated Doses of Intravenous Nitroglycerin
in Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure.
-- Elkayam U for the VMAC Investigators.
The Effects of Nesiritide and Intravenous Nitroglycerin on Pulmonary and
Systemic Pressures in Decompensated Heart Failure.
-- Stevenson L for the VMAC Investigators.
Sustained Symptom Improvement with Nesiritide (B-type Natriuretic
Peptide) Compared to IV Nitroglycerin in Patients with Acute
Decompensated Heart Failure.
-- Young J for the VMAC Investigators.
PRECEDENT:
The Effect of Gender on Ventricular Arrhythmic Events in Patients with
Congestive Heart Failure.
-- Aronson D, Horton D, Burger AJ.
The Effect of Dobutamine on Neurohormonal and Cytokine Profiles in
Patients with Decompensated Congestive Heart Failure.
-- Aronson D, Horton D, Burger AJ.
The effect of Dobutamine on Heart Rate Variability in Patients with
Decompensated Congestive Heart Failure.
-- Burger AJ, Horton D, Aronson D.
Economic Implications of Nesiritide versus Dobutamine in the Treatment of
Acute Decompensated Heart Failure.
-- deLissovoy G, Stier DM, Burger AJ, Horton D.
Hemodynamic Predictors of Clinical Outcome in Decompensated Advanced
Heart Failure.
-- Fonarow GC, Hamilton MA, MacLellan WR, Morguchi J, Creaser JW.
All 10 abstracts are available upon request.
Scios Inc.
Scios is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel treatments for
cardiovascular and inflammatory disease. The Company's disease-based
technology platform integrates expertise in protein biology with computational
and medicinal chemistry to identify novel targets and rationally design small
molecule compounds for large markets with unmet medical needs.
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning
of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. We generally identify such forward-looking statements
using words like "believe," "intend," "expect," "may," "should," "plan,"
"project," "contemplate," "anticipate" or similar statements. Statements
that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements based on current
assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and
uncertainties may include the sales penetration and success of Natrecor, as
well as other risks detailed from time to time in the reports filed by Scios
with the SEC, including the Company's quarterly reports and annual report on
Form 10-K. Actual results, performance or achievements of Scios may differ
significantly from those described in these forward-looking statements. Scios
disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any financial
projections or forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.
For Natrecor full prescribing information, please see http://www.sciosinc.com.
SOURCE Scios, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.sciosinc.com
CONTACT:
investors, Wendy Carhart of Scios Inc.,
+1-408-616-8325; or media, Jim Weiss of Weisscomm,
+1-415-389-5055, or Michelle Choi of Edelman Public Relations,
+1-212-704-4580, both for Scios, Inc.
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