The results of a landmark study have shown that nesiritide, a recombinant form of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), improves the treatment of acute decompensated chronic heart failure (CHF). The VMAC*trial, presented at the 73rd Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association [New Orleans, US; November 2000] showed that nesiritide ['Natrecor'] is significantly better than nitroglycerin [glyceryl trinitrate] and placebo in reducing pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) in such patients. The drug was also significantly better than placebo in reducing dyspnoea. Scios, which manufactures the drug, will use the data to submit a New Drug Application amendment to the US FDA.