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Ferring launches Firmagon

19 Mar 2009

Ferring has announced the launch of Firmagon - a therapy for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer - in Europe.

The product is a new GnRH receptor blocker which differs from commonly-used hormonal drugs and is administered as a subcutaneous injection.

Once in the body, it blocks receptors in a pituitary gland, which in turn suppresses the luteinising hormone and decreases testosterone production in the testicles.

Given the fact that prostate cancer depends on testosterone for its development, the reduction of the amount of the hormone in the body can slow the growth of cancer cells.

John Anderson is consultant urological surgeon at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield.

He comments: "This is an important new step for the treatment of advanced, hormone-dependent prostate cancer, with Firmagon offering a new option and hope for many patients."

Last month, Ferring Pharmaceuticals announced the creation of a new executive board as part of a managerial restructure.