Ferring introduces new prostate cancer drug in US

Ferring Pharmaceuticals, USA has announced the commercial availability of degarelix for injection, a new injectable gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonist approved by the FDA for the treatment of hormone sensitive advanced prostate cancer in the US.

According to the company, Degarelix provides fast, long-term suppression of testosterone, a hormone that stimulates prostate cancer growth. Clinical trials demonstrated that degarelix is effective in quickly reducing and sustaining castrate levels of testosterone.

Study findings also showed that prostate specific antigen levels were lowered by 64% two weeks after administration of degarelix, 85% after one month, 95% after three months, and remained suppressed throughout the one year of treatment, the company added.
The European Commission has granted marketing authorization for degarelix on February 19, 2009. Degarelix is awaiting approval in other key global markets. Degarelix is available for order through traditional and specialty pharmacy distributors.

Wayne Anderson, president and CEO Ferring Pharmaceuticals, USA, said: Degarelix, the lead product in our urology portfolio, demonstrated both a rapid onset of action and a profound long-term suppression of testosterone. We are excited to provide this effective new treatment option for men fighting advanced prostate cancer.

Ferring is a speciality biopharmaceutical group which identifies, develops and markets products in the areas of urology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, gynaecology, and fertility. In recent years Ferring has expanded beyond European base and now has offices in over 45 countries.