Expert panel urges limited use of J&J heart drug

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A panel of heart experts has recommended limited use of Johnson & Johnson’s heart drug Natrecor (nesiritide) and backed the company’s plan to conduct additional clinical trials, J&J said in a report issued late on Wednesday.

J&J had requested the panel to meet to evaluate all data on the heart failure drug after reports surfaced that it increased the rate of kidney failure and death.

The panel, which was led by Dr. Eugene Braunwald of Harvard Medical School, said the use of the drug should be “strictly limited” to severely ill congestive heart failure patients who are hospitalized.

The panel said the drug should not be used for patients who are not in the hospital, nor should it be used to improve kidney function.

The panel also urged the company to mount an educational program for physicians to inform them of the drug’s appropriate uses. 

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