Scios Gets Approval on New Heart Drug

Biotechnology company Scios Inc. said U.S. regulators approved its Natrecor drug, which will be the first new treatment for congestive heart failure to come to the market in more than a decade.

The Sunnyvale-based company plans to launch Natrecor in U.S. hospitals this month.

The Food and Drug Administration rejected Natrecor in 1999, forcing the company to provide greater proof of its efficacy.

Scios stock fell 23 cents to close at $20.12 on Nasdaq.

Scios expects to reap about $220 million in sales of the drug by 2004.