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Cardiovascular · FDA Approved

Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)

FDA-approved

How to ask your doctor
Written by Peptide Association Editorial TeamLast reviewed Editorial policy

01 · Overview

Brain natriuretic peptide, despite its name, is a 32-amino acid hormone secreted predominantly by ventricular cardiomyocytes in response to increased wall tension (PMID 12124404). It acts on membrane guanylyl cyclase receptors, raising cyclic GMP, which promotes vasodilation and sodium excretion (PMID 32444692).

BNP and its N-terminal fragment NT-proBNP are widely used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in heart failure (PMID 32444692). Nesiritide, the recombinant form of human BNP, was FDA approved in 2001 but the product has since been discontinued.

02 · Research summary & key findings

Nesiritide, recombinant human BNP, received FDA approval in August 2001 and its listed product is now discontinued; approval followed the VMAC trial, in which nesiritide lowered pulmonary capillary wedge pressure more than nitroglycerin or placebo and improved dyspnea versus placebo, without a significant symptom advantage over nitroglycerin (PMID 11911755). For diagnosis, the Breathing Not Properly study of 1,586 patients with acute dyspnea found that bedside BNP measurement was more accurate than history, examination, or other laboratory findings for identifying heart failure, with 83.4 percent accuracy at a 100 pg/mL cutoff (PMID 12124404).

03 · Regulatory status

Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) has received FDA approval and is available for clinical use under appropriate medical supervision. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for prescribing information.

Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) is an FDA-approved medicine prescribed for the conditions on its label. It is not part of our intake, so we do not propose protocols for it. If you think it may be relevant to you, talk to your own doctor. How to ask your doctor.

04 · Administration routes

  • Intravenous

References

  1. [1]Intravenous nesiritide vs nitroglycerin for treatment of decompensated congestive heart failure: a randomized controlled trial JAMA, 2002. PMID 11911755
  2. [2]Rapid measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide in the emergency diagnosis of heart failure N Engl J Med, 2002. PMID 12124404
  3. [3]Cardiac natriuretic peptides Nat Rev Cardiol, 2020. PMID 32444692

Primary literature

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. The Peptide Association does not endorse or recommend any specific treatment protocol. See our editorial policy for how this content is produced and reviewed. Clinicians: join the network.