Fonds de solidarité FTQ, CTI Life Sciences Fund and Ferring Pharmaceuticals Create a New Biotech in Québec

Montréal, Canada – 5 October 2012 –

The Fonds de solidarité FTQ (the “Fonds”), CTI Life Sciences Fund and Ferring Pharmaceuticals are pleased to announce the creation of a new biotech firm in Québec.

The three partners have invested a total of $12 million in the start-up. The Fonds de solidarité FTQ and CTI Life Sciences Fund will be equal majority shareholders while Ferring Pharmaceuticals will take a minority interest in the Montréal-based firm.

The new company’s inception is the outcome of a partnership between CTI Life Sciences Fund and Ferring Pharmaceuticals which the Fonds immediately expressed an interest in backing. The new enterprise will work on developing a new innovative compound of the GLP-2 (glucagon-like-peptides) agonist family under an exclusive worldwide license granted by Ferring Pharmaceuticals. The targeted indication is first-in-class in the area of supportive care in oncology and can potentially represent a major clinical advance.

According to Alain Denis, the Fonds’ Senior Vice-President of New Economy, “This venture is another bit of great news for Québec’s life sciences industry that was possible because of the quality biopharmaceutical ecosystem and infrastructures we have in place. This investment shows that both the Fonds and its partner funds are committed to the knowledge industry.”

For Ken Pastor, General Partner of the CTI Life Sciences Fund, “This initiative reflects our commitment to leverage Québec know-how to launch a large-scale mobilizing project. We welcome the involvement of the Fonds de solidarité, our partner in this venture, and are honoured to partner with Ferring Pharmaceuticals, a firm of international repute that’s partnering with Canadian venture capital funds for the first time.”

According to Pascal Danglas, Executive Vice-President of Clinical and Product development at Ferring Pharmaceuticals, “This partnership with Canadian companies is a first for Ferring. It will allow the development of an innovative molecule originated from our research center in a therapy area not currently covered by our company. Ferring is looking forward to collaborate with his new partners.”

CTI Life Sciences Fund managing partner Jean-François Leprince will be CEO, while the Fonds’ life sciences portfolio manager, Gaétan Gravel, CTI Life Sciences Fund managing Partner Richard Meadows, and Ferring Canada president Richard Jeysman will sit on the board of the new company.

– ENDS –

About CTI Life Sciences Fund

Based in Montréal, CTI Life Sciences Fund is a limited partnership formed in 2006. The Fund specializes in venture capital investments primarily in Canada, targeting high quality, emerging life sciences companies at the start-up and clinical development stage. This Fund is the first of its kind created in Québec since 2002.

For more information about CTI Life Sciences Fund, visit www.ctisciences.com.

About Ferring Pharmaceuticals

Swiss-based Ferring Pharmaceuticals is a global research-driven private biopharmaceutical firm devoted to identifying, developing and marketing innovative products in the fields of reproductive health, urology, gastroenterology and endocrinology. With subsidiaries in 50 countries around the world, the company markets its products in over 90 countries.

For more information about Ferring or its products, visit www.ferring.com.

About the Fonds de solidarité FTQ

The Fonds de solidarité FTQ helps drive our economy. With net assets of $8.5 billion as of May 31, 2012, the Fonds is a development capital investment fund that channels the savings of Quebecers into investments in all sectors of the economy to help further Québec’s economic growth. Its investments, in all sectors of the economy, contribute to the creation and maintenance of businesses and development in Quebec. The Fonds is a partner, either directly or through its network members, in 2,239 companies. With its 594,287 owner-shareholders, it has helped, on its own or with other financial partners, to create, maintain and protect 168,577 jobs.

For more information, visit www.fondsftq.com.

For more information, please contact

Jean-François Leprince
Managing Partner
CTI Life Sciences Fund
Tel.: +1 514-787-1619
Mobile: +1 514 889-3858
jfleprince@ctisciences.com

Helen Gallagher
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
Tel.: +41 58 301 0051
helen.gallagher@ferring.com

Patrick McQuilken
Senior Advisor for Media Relations and Communications
Fonds de solidarité FTQ
Tel.: +1 514 850-4835
Mobile: +1 514 703-5587
pmcquilken@fondsftq.com

FDA approves Ferring’s PREPOPIK™ (sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide, and anhydrous citric acid) for colonoscopy prep

New low-volume regimen with 10 ounces of prep solution

Parsippany, New Jersey, USA – 17 July 2012 –

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. approval to market PREPOPIK (sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide, and anhydrous citric acid) for oral solution indicated for cleansing of the colon as a preparation for colonoscopy in adults. PREPOPIK is a low-volume, orange-flavored, dual-acting, stimulant and osmotic laxative. The FDA approval is based on data from two pivotal Phase III non-inferiority studies in which PREPOPIK was compared to 2L PEG+E plus 2x 5-mg bisacodyl tablets. In both studies, PREPOPIK achieved the primary endpoint (successful colon cleansing based on the Aronchick Scale), demonstrating non-inferiority to the comparator [Study 1: 84.2% v. 74.4%; Study 2: 83.0% v. 79.7%].¹ Additionally, PREPOPIK demonstrated statistical superiority in cleansing of the colon versus the comparator.¹

The most common (>1%) adverse reactions in Study 1 possibly or probably related to PREPOPIK (n=305) versus the study comparator (n=298) were nausea (2.6% v. 3.7%), headache (1.6% v. 1.7%) and vomiting (1.0% v. 3.4%).¹ The most common (>1%) adverse reactions in Study 2 were possibly or probably related to PREPOPIK (n=296) versus the comparator (n=302) were nausea (3.0% v. 4.3%), headache (2.7% v. 1.7%) and vomiting (1.4% v. 2.0%).¹

Once commercially available, PREPOPIK will be the lowest volume active ingredient colon preparation available – with 10 ounces of prep solution.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.² Colonoscopies have been shown to help reduce the incidence of colon cancer and deaths associated with the disease.^3,4 Complete visualization of the bowel is needed to conduct a thorough colonoscopy to identify precancerous lesions and diagnose other gastrointestinal disorders.⁵ Aversion to bowel prep solutions, including the substantial liquid volume, has been recognized as a key barrier to completion of essential colonoscopy prep regimens.³

“Successful bowel prep is critical for gastroenterologists to clearly see any polyps or abnormalities, yet the sheer volume of prep solutions can prevent patients from adequately completing their prep regimens, leading to suboptimal visualization of the colon,” said Dr. Douglas K. Rex, Director of Endoscopy at Indiana University Hospital; and Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Indiana School of Medicine.

PREPOPIK is approved with two dosing options. Preferably, it can be given as the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)-recommended split-dose taken in the evening before and on the morning of the procedure.¹ Recommended by the ACG as the optimal way to prepare for colonoscopy, split-dosing has been shown to improve cleansing quality given its greater proximity to procedure time and appears to have higher compliance due to better tolerability of the liquid volume.⁶ Day-before dosing is an alternative regimen for patients for whom split-dosing is inappropriate, accounting for colonoscopy scheduling, distance traveled, and other personal circumstances.

“Ferring has a strong global GI presence and with this approval, we are very pleased to introduce PREPOPIK as our first gastroenterology product in the United States,” said Aaron Graff, President & COO, Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. “Colonoscopy rates are lower than the target set forth by public health initiatives to detect and prevent colorectal cancer. Adults who have avoided getting screened may benefit from this effective regimen with the lowest active ingredient volume of any FDA-approved bowel prep.”

– ENDS –

About PREPOPIK

The FDA approval of PREPOPIK marks Ferring Gastroenterology’s first entry into the gastrointestinal market in the U.S. Approved since 1980 outside of the U.S., PREPOPIK has been used by 28.8 million patients globally based on post-marketing experience.⁷ The company is committed to growing a U.S. franchise focused on helping people suffering from long-term and debilitating gastrointestinal problems. Ferring has a long history in the international gastroenterology market, where PREPOPIK is available in Canada (marketed under the name PICO-SALAX®), U.K., and other countries (marketed under the names PICOLAX® and PICOPREP® in various other countries).

About Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a subsidiary of Ferring Pharmaceuticals, a privately owned, international pharmaceutical company. Ferring Pharmaceuticals specializes in the research, development and commercialization of compounds in general and pediatric endocrinology, gastroenterology, infertility, obstetrics/gynecology, orthopaedics and urology.

For more information, please contact

Rebecca Westelman
Burson-Marsteller
212-614-4262
Rebecca.Westelman@bm.com

Please visit www.FerringUSA.com or www.PREPOPIK.com.

All registered trademarks above are owned by Ferring B.V.

References

1. PREPOPIK™ [Prescribing Information]. Parsippany, NJ: Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc.; July 2012.
2. U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Basic Information About Colorectal Cancer. http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/index.htm. Last updated: July 18, 2011.
3. Medina, G.G. and McQueen A. What Would Make Getting Colorectal Cancer Screening Easier? Perspectives from Screeners and Nonscreeners. Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2012;895807:1-8.
4. American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Facts and Figures 2011-2013. http://www.cancer.org/Research/CancerFactsFigures/ColorectalCancerFactsFigures/colorectal-cancer-facts-figures-2011-2013-page. Accessed June 25, 2012.
5. Kim, H.N. and Raju, G.S. Bowel Preparation and Colonoscopy Technique to Detect Non-Polypoid Colorectal Neoplasms. Gastrointest Endoscopy Clin N Am. 2010;20:437-448.
6. Rex, D.K. et al. American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer Screening 2008. Am J Gastroenterol.2009; 104:739 – 750; doi: 10.1038/ajg.2009.104; published online 24 February 2009.
7. Ferring Pharmaceuticals, DATA ON FILE.

Ferring Pharmaceuticals Acquires Licensing Rights for Elobixibat from Albireo AB

Saint-Prex, Switzerland, Gothenburg, Sweden – 3 July 2012 –

Ferring Pharmaceuticals (Ferring) and Albireo AB (Albireo) announced today that they have signed a license agreement under which Ferring has rights to develop and commercialise elobixibat, a first-in-class compound for chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). The agreement gives Ferring rights to market the product globally with the exception of Japan and a small number of Asian markets. In consideration of the rights, Ferring will pay Albireo a significant upfront licensing fee, milestones and tiered double-digit royalties. Ferring will also be responsible for development costs in its territory.

The agreement is one of the biggest investments made by Ferring for licensing rights of a product. Ferring is a recognized leader in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, and aims to become a global player in the broader gastroenterology field. Ferring believes that the novel therapy elobixibat, which is targeting a currently under-served, but large patient population, will significantly strengthen its gastroenterology portfolio. Elobixibat is due to enter Phase III trials for the CIC indication and Phase IIB trials for the IBS-C indication shortly.

“Elobixibat perfectly complements our gastroenterology portfolio, which includes PENTASA® for IBD and PICOPREP® for bowel cleansing. We also have several promising products in our pipeline within gastroenterology,” commented Michel Pettigrew, President of the Executive Board and COO at Ferring. “What is more, it fits well with our company philosophy of ‘People Come First’ – in particular the patient, as it addresses a problem that affects from 15% up to almost a third of the population but that has seen little progress in treatment options over the years.”

Dr. Jan Mattsson, Executive Director of the Board and COO of Albireo said “We are excited to enter into this agreement and look forward to collaborating with Ferring to bring this novel therapy to patients around the world suffering from CIC or IBS-C. Ferring has a long and strong track record in gastroenterology and we believe will be an ideal partner for Albireo and elobixibat in this territory.”

– ENDS –

About elobixibat

Elobixibat is a first-in-class compound with a novel physiological mechanism of action. It acts locally in the gut with minimal systemic exposure and modulates the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids by a partial inhibition of the Ileal Bile Acid Transporter (IBAT). This increases colonic fluid secretion and motility. Phase II clinical trials with elobixibat in patients with CIC conducted in USA and Europe have demonstrated clinically meaningful, statistically significant and dose-dependent improvement on key constipation and IBS-C symptoms such as bowel movement frequency, straining, stool consistency and bloating.

The prevalence of severe CIC and IBS-C is high and patients are not satisfied with current available treatments. Elobixibat has the potential to become a safe and effective treatment alternative for this group of patients and increase patient quality of life.

About chronic idiopathic constipation and IBS-C

Chronic constipation (CIC) is among the most common diseases throughout the world, affecting approximately 15% of the general population particularly women and the elderly population. Patients with CIC often experience hard and lumpy stools, straining during defecation and a sensation of incomplete evacuation, as well as discomfort and bloating. CIC adversely affects a person’s quality of life and is associated with significant health care expenditure. Studies show that approximately 50% of individuals with CIC are not satisfied with available treatments underscoring the unmet medical need in this area.

IBS-C is a disease characterized by a combination of abdominal pain and constipation. Throughout the world, about 10%–20% of adults have symptoms consistent with IBS, and most studies find a female predominance. IBS symptoms come and go over time, often overlap with other functional disorders, impair quality of life, and result in high health care costs. There is a high rate of dissatisfaction with available therapies.

About Ferring Pharmaceuticals

Headquartered in Switzerland, Ferring Pharmaceuticals is a research-driven specialty biopharmaceutical group active in global markets. The company identifies, develops and markets innovative products in the areas of reproductive health, urology, gastroenterology and endocrinology. Ferring has its own operating subsidiaries in more than 50 countries and markets its products in more than 90 countries.

To learn more about Ferring or our products please visit www.ferring.com.

About Ferring’s Gastroenterology Products

Ferring’s product, PENTASA® (mesalazine), is used for the treatment and long-term management of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease (approved indications vary by country). PENTASA® is available orally as tablets and granules (sachets), and in topical formulations (suppositories and enemas). Ferring markets PENTASA® worldwide, excluding the US (in the US, Shire US, Inc. uses the PENTASA® name under a trademark license from Ferring) and in Japan where Kyorin distributes PENTASA®.

PICOPREP® (sodium picosulfate 10mg, magnesium oxide 3.5mg, citric acid 12g), a dual action laxative medication, is used to cleanse a patient’s bowels prior to endoscopy, surgery and radiological procedures. This product is sold in some countries under the trademarks PICO-SALAX® or PICOLAX®.

About Albireo

Albireo is a Swedish biotechnology company focused on the development of novel therapeutic alternatives in the gastrointestinal area. In addition to elobixibat, Albireo has a pipeline of drug candidates in earlier stages of development in areas such as IBD and liver diseases. The management team has a broad experience in drug development, in particular in the GI area and has an extensive network in the international scientific and clinical communities. Albireo was created as a spin-out of AstraZeneca in 2008, financed by a syndicate of leading healthcare investors, led by Phase4 ventures, and joined by TPG Biotech, TVM Capital and Scottish Widows Partnership.

For more information, please contact

Ferring Pharmaceuticals
Helen Gallagher
+41 58 301 0051
Helen.gallagher@ferring.com

or

Patrick Gorman
+41 58 301 0053
Patrick.gorman@ferring.com

Albireo
Jan Mattsson
+46 768 08 35 04
info@albireopharma.com

Ferring Pharmaceuticals donates $10 million to the Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Saint-Prex, Switzerland – 7 June 2012 –

Ferring Pharmaceuticals, a global, specialty biopharmaceuticals company, has donated $10 million to support research at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California. In addition to funding the highest scientific priorities at the Salk, the Ferring gift will enable the creation of the Françoise Gilot-Salk endowed Chair, which will be used to support research on the role that TAM receptors play in immune regulation. These receptors, which were discovered in Professor Greg Lemke’s Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory at the Salk Institute, are central inhibitors of the innate immune response to bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. The Ferring gift will also continue the endowment of the Frederik Paulsen Chair in Neurosciences, named after Ferring’s founder and first established in 2000.

“As a research-driven company, Ferring believes that science will offer solutions to many of the unmet medical needs of people today. Basic research, of the type that has made the Salk Institute world-renowned, is the critical first step,” said Michel Pettigrew, President of the Executive Board and Chief Operating Officer of Ferring Pharmaceuticals.

“We are deeply grateful for the Ferring support. The generosity of our donors ensures that our scientists will have the necessary resources to continue their seminal research,” said Rebecca Newman, Vice President of Development and Communications.

Ferring’s support of Salk goes back two decades. Frederik Paulsen Jr., Chairman of Ferring Pharmaceuticals has been an active member of the Salk International Council since 1995. Five years later, a grant from the Ferring affiliated Frederik Paulsen Foundation made possible the creation of the Frederik Paulsen Chair in Neurosciences. In 2003, Frederik Paulsen, Jr. was elected to the Salk Board of Trustees.

– ENDS –

About Ferring Pharmaceuticals

Headquartered in Switzerland, Ferring Pharmaceuticals is a research-driven, specialty biopharmaceutical group active in global markets. The company identifies, develops and markets innovative products in the areas of reproductive health, urology, gastroenterology and endocrinology. Ferring has its own operating subsidiaries in 50 countries and markets its products in more than 90 countries.

To learn more about Ferring or its products please visit www.ferring.com.

About The Salk Institute for Biological Studies

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is one of the world’s preeminent basic research institutions, where internationally renowned faculty probe fundamental life science questions in a unique, collaborative, and creative environment. Focused both on discovery and on mentoring future generations of researchers, Salk scientists make groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of cancer, aging, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and infectious diseases by studying neuroscience, genetics, cell and plant biology, and related disciplines.

To learn more please visit http://www.salk.edu

For more information, please contact

Helen Gallagher
+41 (0) 58 301 00 51
helen.gallagher@ferring.com

or

Patrick Gorman
+41 (0) 58 301 00 53
patrick.gorman@ferring.com

New data show that FIRMAGON® (degarelix) is non-inferior to the combination of goserelin plus bicalutamide at reducing prostate volume in patients with advanced hormone-dependent prostate cancer while offering better relief from lower urinary tract symptoms

Paris, France – 28 February 2012 –

Two new studies presented at the 27th Annual European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress reported that FIRMAGON® (degarelix), a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor blocker, was similar to the combination of goserelin (a luteinizing-hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist) plus bicalutamide at reducing total prostate volume in men with advanced hormone-dependent prostate cancer, and offered better control of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).^1,2 LUTS can include frequency, urgency and hesitancy in urination and have a major negative impact on quality of life^3,4 for men with prostate cancer.

The Phase IIIb CS30 trial assessed the use of FIRMAGON® as neoadjuvant hormone therapy in men with intermediate to high-risk prostate cancer. A review published recently shows that androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) prior to radiotherapy can improve disease-specific mortality and overall survival compared to radiotherapy alone in men with high-risk localised or locally advanced prostate cancer.⁵ Week 12 results of the CS30 trial showed the non-inferiority of FIRMAGON® compared with goserelin plus bicalutamide at prostate shrinking (mean percent change in prostate volume: -36.0% for FIRMAGON® vs. -35.3% for goserelin plus bicalutamide). In addition, FIRMAGON® demonstrated more pronounced LUTS relief compared to goserelin plus bicalutamide. Overall incidences of adverse events (AEs) were similar in both groups; the most common AEs were the expected consequences of ADT.¹

The Phase IIIb CS31 trial assessed the ability of FIRMAGON® to decrease prostate volume in a range of prostate cancer patients. Again, Week 12 results showed prostate volume reduction achieved by FIRMAGON® was similar to the combination of goserelin and bicalutamide. In addition, FIRMAGON® had a significantly more pronounced positive effect on LUTS in symptomatic patients.²

“These new data show that FIRMAGON® is non-inferior to the combination of goserelin and bicalutamide at reducing prostate volume, and also offers the added benefit of better LUTS control,” commented Professor Malcolm Mason, Cardiff University, Institute of Cancer & Genetics, Velindre Hospital, Cardiff, UK. “LUTS can have a significant impact on a man’s quality of life, so relief of these symptoms is hugely important to patients suffering from prostate cancer.”

The goal of ADT is to rapidly reduce testosterone levels in a sustained way to slow the growth of cancer cells. The use of LHRH agonists is associated with an initial rapid release of androgens (surge), which delays the onset of ADT and may be source of complications.⁶ To avoid these limitations, LHRH agonists have to be co-administered with an antiandrogen at the initiation of treatment.⁷

In contrast FIRMAGON® is a GnRH receptor blocker, which, unlike LHRH agonists, promptly blocks testosterone production, avoiding any initial testosterone surge therefore, mitigating the need for concurrent antiandrogens. In the pivotal study showing the non inferiority of FIRMAGON® compared to leuprolide, FIRMAGON® reduced testosterone to an effective level very quickly in more than 97% of patients^8,9 Additional analysis of the pivotal study showed that it also reduced the risk of prostate specific antigen (PSA) progression or death by 34% (HR =0.664 – 95%CI, 0.385-1.146). Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.¹⁰ In an extension trial of the pivotal study, FIRMAGON® continued to control PSA at three years.¹¹  Delaying PSA progression is desirable as it may delay the need for second-line therapies which include chemotherapy.¹² Now, new data suggest that FIRMAGON® provides prostate cancer patients with better relief from LUTS.

– ENDS –

About FIRMAGON®

FIRMAGON® has unique chemical characteristics and a novel mechanism of action, different from traditionally used hormonal therapies. Administered as a subcutaneous injection, FIRMAGON® rapidly reduces levels of testosterone by immediately blocking the GnRH receptors in the pituitary gland. Blocking the receptors suppresses the release of the luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, resulting in a decrease in production of testosterone by the testicles to castration levels within three days. Prostate cancer is dependent on testosterone for its growth, and reducing testosterone levels slows the growth of cancer cells.

In clinical trials, FIRMAGON® decreased the production of testosterone very rapidly, profoundly and in a sustained way.^8,10 FIRMAGON® also maintains the PSA control over the long term and reduces the risk of PSA progression.¹¹

In clinical trials FIRMAGON® was generally well tolerated. Common side effects are hot flushes, injection site pain and erythema, increased weight, nasopharyngitis, fatigue and back pain.^8,13

About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common form of male cancer in the western world,¹⁴ and the second leading cause of cancer death in men in some countries.¹⁵ Around 300,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in Europe each year.¹⁶ Worldwide this figure rises to 670,000 new cases.¹⁶

For further media information and news alerts on prostate cancer please visit Ferring’s information website www.ProstateCancerLiving.com.

About Ferring

Headquartered in Switzerland, Ferring Pharmaceuticals is a research-driven, specialty biopharmaceutical group active in global markets. The company identifies, develops and markets innovative products in the areas of reproductive health, urology, gastroenterology and endocrinology. Ferring has its own operating subsidiaries in 50 countries and markets its products in more than 90 countries.

To learn more about Ferring or its products please visit www.ferring.com.

For more information, please contact

Jo Husson 
Tonic Life Communications
+44 (0) 207 798 9913
Jo.husson@toniclc.com

Patrick Gorman
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
+41 (0) 58 301 00 53
patrick.gorman@ferring.com

References

1. Mason M, et al. Degarelix as neoadjuvant hormone therapy in patients with prostate cancer: Results from a phase IIIb randomised, comparative trial versus goserelin plus bicalutamide. Abstract presented at the 27th EAU Congress, 2012
2. Axcrona K., et al. Androgen deprivation therapy for volume reduction, LUTS relief and quality of life improvement in men with prostate cancer: Degarelix versus goserelin plus bicalutamide. Abstract presented at the 27th EAU Congress, 2012.
3. Welch G, et al. Urology. 2002 Feb;59(2):245-50.
4. Monzón JA, et al. Arch Esp Urol. 2005 Mar;58(2):109-13.
5. Payne, H & Mason, M. British Journal of Cancer. 2011; 105:1628-1634. www.bjcancer.com [Accessed 15 Feb 2012]
6. Sugiono M et al Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2005;8:91-4.
7. Gittelman M et al; Degarelix Study Group. J Urol. 2008;180:1986-92.
8. Klotz L, et al. BJU Int 2008; 102:1531-1538.
9. Firmagon (degarelix). Summary of Product Characteristics. July 2010
10. Tombal B, et al. Eur Urol 2010;57:836-42
11. Crawford ED, et al. The Journal of Urology September 2011;186(3):889-897
12. Mahon KL, et al. Endocr Relat Cancer 2011;18:R103-R123.
13. Van Poppel H et al. Abstract (23.) Euro Urol Suppl 2007;6(2):28
14. University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Available at:  http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/medicaldepartments/urology/prostatecancer/index.html [Accessed 15 Feb 2012]
15. American Cancer Society. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/cri/content/cri_2_4_1x_what_are_the_key_statistics_for_prostate_cancer_36.asp [Accessed 15 Feb 2012]
16. Cancer Research UK. Available at: http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerstats/types/prostate/index.html [Accessed 25 May 2010]

Ferring announces new million euro educational initiative with International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS) and Elsevier

Budapest, Hungary – 8 February 2012 –

World leader in fertility treatments, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, announced today at the 2012 Updates in Infertility Treatment (UIT) meeting that the company will initiate a new educational initiative with the International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS) and publishing group Elsevier* to support a series of educational programmes and meetings. The IFFS is an international organisation representing over 70 national fertility societies.

Under the terms of this agreement, Ferring will provide over 1 million euros (€) over the next 3 years to help support greater access to infertility and reproductive health educational programmes and resources, especially in underserved and underdeveloped parts of the world. The funding will be for educational and scientific purposes and will not be directly related to any Ferring product.

“Access to fertility treatment is an international problem. In many parts of the world, perhaps especially where a large family is the norm, the inability to have children can be a real social stigma. For many years, the IFFS has been running a programme to educate reproductive health specialists in the developing world”, explained Professor David Healy IFFS President, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. “This agreement with Ferring will help secure this programme, and will take us a step towards ensuring that people in the developing world are not deprived of the right to have children simply through inadequate clinician education. We welcome this valuable contribution which Ferring is making towards clinical education”.

The biennial UIT meeting, initiated in 1994 with financial support from Ferring, has grown to become one of the leading international congresses in the area of infertility treatment, attracting approximately 900 experts from around the world.

The IFFS will use the Ferring grant to extend the reach of the scientific knowledge and expertise shared at scientific and educational meetings, such as the UIT. Chaired by Professor Paul Devroey, former Clinical Director of the Centre for Reproductive Medicine at the Free University of Brussels, this year’s UIT meeting focuses on some of the most important issues in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) today, including infertility assessment and prognosis, multiple pregnancies and treatment safety, the newest clinical trial data available from studies on treatment of infertility, genetics and cryopreservation of embryos.

“Infertility is one of Ferring’s most important areas and is one that has seen enormous progress”, explains Michel Pettigrew, President of the Executive Board and Chief Operating Officer of Ferring. “We are delighted to start this new educational partnership with the IFFS. Even though great progress has been made in ART, many challenges still remain as well as inequalities in the level of educational support in different parts of the world. This IFFS funding and on-going support underscores our continuing commitment to leadership in ART.”

– ENDS –

About Ferring Pharmaceuticals

Headquartered in Switzerland, Ferring Pharmaceuticals is a research-driven, specialty biopharmaceutical group active in global markets. The company identifies, develops and markets innovative products in the areas of reproductive health, urology, gastroenterology and endocrinology. Ferring has its own operating subsidiaries in 50 countries and markets its products in more than 90 countries.

To learn more about Ferring or its products please visit www.ferring.com.

About the IFFS

The IFFS is the overarching international organisation encompassing the national fertility societies of close to 70 nations. Founded over 50 years ago, its mission is to stimulate basic and clinical research, disseminate education and encourage superior clinical care of patients in infertility and reproductive medicine.

For more information, please contact

Danielle Aryaman  
Tonic Life Communications
+44 (0) 20 7798 9911
Danielle.aryanan@toniclc.com

Jim Baxter
Tonic Life Communications
+44 (0) 207 798 9916
jim.baxter@toniclc.com

* Current online Elsevier resource centres initiated with support from Ferring include:

• Robert Edwards Resource Centre, http://www.edwards.elsevierresource.com
• European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology resource centre, http://obstetricsgynecology.eu