Scios, Inc. engages in the discovery, development, and marketing of novel treatments for cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. It markets Natrecor® (nesiritide) for the treatment of acutely decompensated congestive heart failure. In addition to Natrecor, the company has two product research and development programs, p38 kinase and TGF-beta. The first program is directed to the development of inhibitors of p38 kinase, an enzyme responsible for increased production of various proteins that cause inflammation. SCIO-469, the first compound designed to inhibit this enzyme, is targeted for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and is in clinical development. Scios’ second product program is directed to the development of inhibitors of TGF-beta, a signaling protein that is implicated in a range of diseases characterized by unregulated scarring and eventual organ failure. The company was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Fremont, California. Scios, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.