SUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Scios Inc. (Nasdaq: SCIO)
announced today that four abstracts related to its recently approved flagship
product, Natrecor(R) (nesiritide) for the treatment of acutely decompensated
congestive heart failure, are being presented next week at the American Heart
Association Scientific Sessions 2001 in Anaheim, Calif.
Three of the four scientific abstracts highlight Natrecor data from the
pivotal VMAC (Vasodilation in the Management of Acute Congestive heart
failure) clinical trial involving 489 patients. Results from the VMAC trial
showed that Natrecor improved both the hemodynamic measures associated with
acute decompensated congestive heart failure (ADCHF) and alleviated dyspnea,
or difficulty breathing. The fourth abstract will highlight data derived from
the PRECEDENT (Prospective Randomized Evaluation of Cardiac Ectopy with
DobutaminE or Nesiritide Therapy) trial, a randomized, multicenter study
evaluating the safety and efficacy of Natrecor compared to dobutamine in
patients with ADCHF.
"We are particularly excited about the data being presented on Monday by
Dr. William Abraham that demonstrates the positive hemodynamic effects of
Natrecor in those patients who chronically receive beta-blockers," said
Darlene P. Horton, M.D., Scios' Vice President of Medical Affairs. "Unlike
dobutamine, Natrecor does not diminish the positive effects of beta-blockers,
which are being prescribed to increasing numbers of heart failure patients to
improve survival."
"Other important data to be presented by Dr. James Young on Tuesday shows
that the significant effects of Natrecor on symptom improvement were sustained
through 24 hours of treatment," added Dr. Horton.
Natrecor is the first of a new drug class and is a recombinant form of
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), a hormone secreted by the heart in response
to heart failure. Scios launched Natrecor in the United States in
August 2001, making it the first new drug available for ADCHF patients in over
a decade.
The four abstracts to be presented are:
-- Abstract #102885. Effects of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure
Patients Receiving Beta-Blockers. (Poster presentation by
William T. Abraham, University of Kentucky, on behalf of the VMAC Study
Group on Monday, Nov. 12 at 9:00 a.m. PST, Exhibit Hall)
-- Abstract #102117. Sustained Symptom Improvement with Nesiritide (B-type
Natriuretic Peptide) Compared to IV Nitroglycerin in Patients with
Acute Decompensated Heart Failure. (Oral presentation by
James B. Young, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, on behalf of the VMAC
Study Group on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 8:30 a.m. PST, Room 204 B-C)
-- Abstract #102067. The Effects of Nesiritide and Intravenous
Nitroglycerin on Pulmonary and Systemic Pressures in Decompensated
Heart Failure. (Oral presentation by Lynne W. Stevenson, Brigham
& Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; on behalf of the VMAC study group on
Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 2:00 p.m. PST, Room 204B-C)
-- Abstract #101390. Persistent Activation of Neurohormones and Cytokines
After Treatment For Decompensated Heart Failure. (Poster presentation
by Doron Aronson, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa Israel, on behalf of the
PRECEDENT Group on Monday, Nov. 12 at 9:00 a.m. PST, Exhibit Hall).
These abstracts are available on the AHA website,
http://www.scientificsessions.org, or upon request to Scios.
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.
Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement
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, the
success of clinical trials of Natrecor and our pipeline products, including
SCIO-469, 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.
SOURCE Scios Inc.
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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, for Scios Inc.; or Michelle Choi of Edelman
Public Relations, +1-212-704-4580, for Scios Inc.
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