A unit of pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson has admitted to misbranding the drug Natrecor, which is used to treat congestive heart failure. Scios pleaded guilty on Wednesday to a misdemeanor violation for branding and using the medicine in a way that was not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Natrecor is a vasodilator, which opens up blood vessels and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood. The FDA approved the drug in 2001 for intravenous treatment of patients with acute congestive heart failure and shortness of breath while at rest or during low-impact activities.
