Baker IDI researchers have designed a potent natriuretic peptide that has the potential not only to provide a treatment for HF patients in hospital, but also for stable HF patients after discharge. Natriuretic peptides are normally released by a failing heart to reduce the symptoms of heart failure through multiple actions: increasing blood volume, reducing cardiac contractility and lowering cardiac output. Current treatments for HF still elicit many side effects, often treat only single symptoms, and rarely address the progression of the disease. After identifying the novel NP, the investigators have developed strong proof-of-concept data and confirmed the desired pharmacology and a minimal side-effect profile that is superior to existing NP products. Importantly, they have demonstrated efficacy in two different animal models of HF (rat and sheep). These data provide the basis for development of a new product to treat HF with the aim of improving discharge success, decreasing hospital readmission rate and improving quality of life.
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