Modified natriuretic compounds and conjugates thereof are disclosed in the
present invention. In particular, conjugated forms of hBNP are provided
that include at least one modifying moiety attached thereto. The modified
natriuretic compound conjugates retain activity for stimulating cGMP
production, binding to NPR-A receptor, and in some embodiments an
improved half-life in circulation as compared to unmodified counterpart
natriuretic compounds. Oral, parenteral, enteral, subcutaneous,
pulmonary, and intravenous forms of the compounds and conjugates may be
prepared as treatments and/or therapies for heart conditions particularly
congestive heart failure. Modifying moieties comprising oligomeric
structures having a variety of lengths and configurations are also
disclosed. Analogs of the natriuretic compound are also disclosed, having
an amino acid sequence that is other than the native sequence.