B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)
Also known as: brain natriuretic peptide · nesiritide (recombinant)
A cardiac natriuretic peptide released in response to ventricular wall stress. Principally important clinically as a diagnostic biomarker rather than as a therapeutic.
Development status: Approved as a medicine in one or more jurisdictions
Identifiers and molecular characteristics
- CAS number
- Not verified
- Molecular formula
- Not verified
- Molecular mass
- Not verified
- Amino-acid sequence
- Not verified
- PubChem CID
- Not verified
Identifiers are published only with a source and a check date. Fields marked “not verified” have not yet been confirmed against a primary source — we show the gap rather than an unchecked figure. Always confirm against the certificate of analysis for the specific lot you hold.
Biological targets
- Natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPR-A)
Mechanism of action
Binding NPR-A raises intracellular cGMP, producing vasodilation and natriuresis. Circulating concentrations rise with ventricular stretch, which is the basis for its diagnostic use.
Research evidence and its limits
Extensive clinical literature, principally diagnostic. A recombinant therapeutic form was marketed and later saw its role substantially revised following outcome trials.
Safety considerations
Where this compound is an approved medicine, the authoritative safety source is the product labelling issued by the relevant regulator — not this page. Research-grade material is not pharmaceutical product and carries none of those assurances. Supplied and discussed here strictly as a laboratory research material. Not a medicine, not for human or veterinary administration, and nothing on this page should be read as a dosing, treatment or safety recommendation.
Analytical identification and quality testing
Identity by high-resolution mass spectrometry against the expected mass, purity by RP-HPLC with UV detection. Tandem MS sequencing or peptide mapping gives stronger identity evidence than mass alone.
Regulatory status
The recombinant therapeutic form, nesiritide, received FDA approval, though its clinical role was substantially revised after later outcome trials. BNP and NT-proBNP measurement remains in routine diagnostic use. The endogenous peptide itself is a biomarker rather than a marketed medicine.
Frequently asked questions
Is BNP a drug or a test?
Overwhelmingly a test. Measuring circulating BNP or NT-proBNP is routine in cardiology; the therapeutic version is a separate and much narrower story.
References
Related compounds
Entry last reviewed 2026-10-11. Regulatory status and scientific understanding change; verify against primary sources before relying on anything here.