UK’s NICE recommends Ferring’s Firmagon for men with advanced hormone-dependent prostate cancer

Firmagon is an antagonist form of androgen deprivation therapy that reversibly binds to the GnRH receptors, inhibiting the production of testosterone immediately.

The European Medicines Agency initially approved Firmagon in 2009 for men with advanced hormone-dependent prostate cancer. The drug has been available in the UK since 2010.

The latest recommendation comes 36 months after NICE review was initially unveiled.

In clinical trials, Firmagon reduced testosterone levels after initial use and achieved clinically significant levels within three days.

Maintenance therapy with Firmagon resulted in long-term testosterone suppression for about five years.

Firmagon has demonstrated significantly longer progression-free survival, compared with luteinising hormone-releasing hormone agonists, the current hormonal therapy.

A more rapid reduction in prostate-specific antigen was also observed apart from a significant reduction in the risk of PSA progression, compared with existing hormonal therapies.

Firmagon hs also showed a better control of serum alkaline phosphatase, which is indicative of tumour activity within bones.

Ferring UK general manager Steve Howson said: "NICE’s decision represents a significant step forward, and is very good news for men living with advanced hormone-dependent prostate cancer, who are in need of rapid control of their condition.

"This has been a long process but throughout these last 3 years we have maintained our firm belief that Firmagon can have a significant impact on patients’ lives."

Image: Ferring Headquarters – St-Prex, Switzerland. Photo: courtesy of Ferring B.V.