An update on nesiritide for treatment of decompensated heart failure

In the July 1999 issue of this publication, we described the chemical properties, pharmacology and clinical trials involving nesiritide as a therapeutic agent for patients with decompensated heart failure (Exp. Opin. Invest. Drugs) (1999) 8(7):1063--1072). At the time of publication, the US Food and Drug Administration reviewed the clinical experience with the compound and did not approve the drug for clinical use. More data were requested regarding safety issues, comparison with nitroglycerine, onset of effects, need for invasive haemodynamic monitoring and symptomatic improvement. The VMAC Study was designed to address these issues. A dosing regimen, 0.2 microgram/kg bolus followed by 0.01 microg/kg/min continuous infusion, was chosen to provide rapid onset of actions and haemodynamic improvement without a high incidence of symptomatic hypotension. Nesiritide was superior to iv. nitroglycerine in its haemodynamic effects, easier to administer without the need for dose titration and better tolerated overall. The drug could be administered safely without the need for invasive haemodynamic monitoring. Symptomatic hypotension occurred in 4% of patients. Beneficial haemodynamic effects correlated with symptomatic improvement in heart failure patients. Nesiritide appears to be an ideal first-line agent for treatment of patients with acutely decompensated heart failure.