Ferring Pharmaceuticals announces new Board Member

Saint-Prex, Switzerland – 2 April 2009 –

Ferring Pharmaceuticals announced today that Dr. John Patterson CBE FRCP has been appointed as a new Board Member with immediate effect. Dr. Patterson’s key responsibility as a non-executive Board Member will be assuming the role of chairman of Ferring’s Research and Development Committee.

Dr. Patterson was most recently active on the Board of AstraZeneca plc, where he had the role of Executive Director responsible for Development from December 2004 through to his retirement on 31 March 2009. Prior to this, John Patterson held a number of key roles in business and portfolio development for Zeneca and AstraZeneca and had an R&D career spanning 18 years with ICI Pharmaceuticals where he started as Medical Adviser in the Clinical Research Department in 1975.

Frederik Paulsen, Chairman of the Board of Ferring Pharmaceuticals stated, “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Patterson to our Board of Directors. His long-term, quality experience in both clinical research and product and portfolio development will, I am certain, bring enormous value to Ferring’s Research and Development Committee and the activities it directs.”

– ENDS –

Notes to Editors

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 endocrinology, gastroenterology, urology, infertility and obstetrics. Ferring has its own operating subsidiaries in 45 countries and markets its products in more than 70 countries. To learn more about Ferring or our products please visit www.ferring.com.

For more information, please contact

Helen Gallagher
Corporate Communications, Ferring Pharmaceuticals
+41 58 301 00 51
helen.gallagher@ferring.com

Michael George
Corporate Communications, Ferring Pharmaceuticals
+41 58 301 00 53
michael.george@ferring.com

Frost & Sullivan Accolade for Ferring Pharmaceuticals

The following press release has been drafted and distributed by Frost & Sullivan.

25 March 2009

The 2008 Frost & Sullivan European Human Growth Hormone Competitive Strategy Leadership Award is presented to Ferring Pharmaceuticals. The award is in recognition of Ferring’s initiatives in providing no-needle injection for human growth hormone (hGH). The company offers ZOMAJET 2 VISION and ZOMAJET VISION X, innovative no-needle delivery systems for its human growth hormone, ZOMACTON.

These novel, no-needle delivery systems are poised to help Ferring to not only sustain its market share in the European growth hormones market, but also to expand its presence in the hGH market worldwide.

“Drug delivery systems provide strategic differentiation to successfully increase sales for companies established in the hGH market,” notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Prabakar Sampath. “Through its innovation in no-needle devices, and clinical evidence showing the high level of childrens’ preference for no-needle hGH administration, Ferring has shown leadership in meeting the needs of the paediatric population in this therapy area.”

The majority of end users of hGH are children under the age of fifteen. Patient compliance is an issue for treatment with drugs that have to be administered on a daily basis. Frost & Sullivan’s end user analysis suggests that over 30 per cent of children using traditional methods of injection are likely to stop using hGH due to the inconvenience caused. This poor compliance is attributed to ‘needle-phobia’ and pain caused while administering injections.

A strategic partnership with Antares has enabled Ferring to provide pioneering, no-needle delivery devices for ZOMACTON. Ferring launched the ZOMAJET 2 VISION in Europe in 2002. It was one of the early providers of no-needle systems for hGH, making it an ideal choice for drug administration among the paediatric population.

Ferring is strongly committed to increasing physician awareness. For over two decades, it has been sponsoring training programmes hosted by the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE). These programmes are aimed at promoting physician awareness of new trends and treatments in the endocrinology domain.

“The company also encourages discussions and interactions between older and younger paediatric endocrinologists,” states Sampath. “The sizeable educational grant provided by Ferring for such training programmes reflects its commitment to ensuring quality medical education for young endocrinologists.”

The Frost & Sullivan Award for Competitive Strategy Leadership is presented to the company whose competitive strategy has yielded significant gains in market share during the research period. Often, the recognised company has taken advantage of recent market changes that facilitate the introduction of never-before seen methods of capturing and solidifying market presence. Alternatively, the Award recipient may have executed an innovative strategy within the existing competitive landscape, empowering the company to overtake the competition. In either case, the company captures the attention of the competition, which quickly adjusts in order to protect its own market position. Frost & Sullivan analysts expect such innovations to produce lasting, precedent-setting trends in the industry.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognise companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best in class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company’s Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO’s Growth Team with disciplined research and best practice models to drive the generation, evaluation and implementation of powerful growth strategies.Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 31 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit www.frost.com.

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 endocrinology, gastroenterology, urology, infertility and obstetrics.

Ferring has its own operating subsidiaries in 45 countries and markets its products in more than 70 countries. To learn more about Ferring or our products please visit www.ferring.com.

For more information, please contact

Ciara Jamie Connolly
Senior Events & Promotions Executive EMEA, Best Practices, Frost & Sullivan
+44 (0) 207 915 7868
+44 (0) 207 730 3343
ciara.connolly@frost.com
www.frost.com

FIRMAGON® (degarelix) is launched in Europe for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer

Stockholm, Sweden – 18 March 2009 –

Today marks the European launch of FIRMAGON® (degarelix), a new treatment option in hormonal therapy for prostate cancer, with details presented at the 24th Annual European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress in Stockholm. FIRMAGON® is a new GnRH receptor blocker indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced hormone-dependent prostate cancer.

FIRMAGON® has a novel mechanism of action that is different from commonly used hormonal therapies. Administered as a subcutaneous injection, FIRMAGON® rapidly reduces levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) by immediately blocking the GnRH receptors in the pituitary gland. Blocking the receptors suppresses the luteinising hormone, which decreases production of testosterone by the testicles. Prostate cancer is dependant on testosterone for its growth, so reducing testosterone levels can slow the growth of cancer cells.

In clinical studies, FIRMAGON® suppressed testosterone and PSA faster than leuprolide, an existing treatment for advanced prostate cancer.¹

“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,” comments John Anderson, Consultant Urological Surgeon, The Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, United Kingdom. “Our goal is to achieve fast and sustained reduction in testosterone levels, and FIRMAGON® offers a rapid impact which is comparable to the immediacy achieved by surgery.”

The European launch of FIRMAGON® follows the decision of the European Commission to grant marketing authorisation in the European Union last month. This approval was based on pivotal Phase III studies where FIRMAGON® produced a reduction in levels of testosterone^1,2 below 0.5ng/ml within three days in more than 96% of study patients.¹ Testosterone plays a major role in the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells, and the data showed FIRMAGON® provided a fast reduction of testosterone to very low levels, close to the immediate effect achieved with surgery (orchidectomy).^1,3 This effect was sustained over the whole study period.

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.

FIRMAGON® will be marketed in Europe by Ferring Pharmaceuticals. Today’s launch represents another important milestone in the company’s long-standing commitment to develop new and improved treatment options in the field of urology.

– Ends –

Notes to Editors

About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men, and the second leading cause of cancer death. In 2005 127,490 new cases were diagnosed in the 5 biggest European countries and 18,310 in Japan. In the US 218,890 new cases were estimated for 2007, with a mortality rate of 27,050. For further media information and news alerts on prostate cancer please visit Ferring’s information website www.prostatecancerliving.com.

About Ferring Pharmaceuticals

Ferring is a Swiss-headquartered, research driven, speciality biopharmaceutical group active in global markets. The company identifies, develops and markets innovative products in the areas of urology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, gynaecology, and fertility. In recent years Ferring has expanded beyond its traditional European base and now has offices in over 40 countries. To learn more about Ferring or our products please visit www.ferring.com.

For more information, please contact

Katie Fyfe
Tonic Life Communications
+44 207 798 9920
katie.fyfe@toniclc.com

Monica Gounaropoulos
Tonic Life Communications
+44 207 798 9910
monica.g@toniclc.com

Michael George
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
+41 (58) 301 00 53
michael.george@ferring.com

References

1. Van Poppel H, De La Rosette JJ, Persson B.E, Oleson TK, Degarelix Study Group; Long-term evaluation of degarelix, a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor blocker, investigated in a multicentre randomised study in prostate cancer (CAP) patients. Abstract (23.) Euro Urol Suppl 2007;6(2):28.
2. World Health Organization. Priority diseases and reasons for inclusion. Postpartum haemorrhage. Available at: http://www.who.int/medicines/areas/priority_medicines/Ch6_16PPH.pdf Last accessed: May 2018.
3. Nielsen S, Connolly M, Persson B, Variation between countries in the perceived use of antiandrogens to prevent flare symptoms: results of a comprehensive survey. Abstract 539 presented at the 23rd EAU Congress, Milan, Italy, 2008.

Ferring Pharmaceuticals creates Executive Board

Saint-Prex, Switzerland – 19 February, 2009 –

Today, Ferring Pharmaceuticals announced the creation of a new Executive Board. This reflects the substantial growth of the company over the past few years and the subsequent need to adapt the management structure. The Executive Board will be led by Michel Pettigrew, President of the Executive Board and Chief Operating Officer, and will report to the Board of Directors.

Frederik Paulsen, Chairman of Ferring Pharmaceuticals, said;
“This is a very important step in the development of Ferring. We have enjoyed considerable success over the past few years, and grown substantially. This will help us consolidate our position and push on to the next phase of our growth.”

The Executive Board will have collective responsibility for all aspects of the company’s operational management, including legal and ethical compliance and Ferring’s Standard Operating procedures. It will also, importantly, manage adherence to the Ferring Philosophy, the values which underpin the company’s activities.

Michel Pettigrew, commenting on his appointment, said:
“I am delighted to have been appointed President of the Executive Board. Ferring has expanded considerably into new geographies and markets and the Executive Board will strengthen our corporate professionalism and efficiency, and help position us for further success globally in the future.”

As well as Michel Pettigrew, the Executive Board will comprise, Peter Wilden (Chief Financial Officer), Pascal Danglas (Executive Vice-President Clinical & product development), and Jean Duvall (Group General Counsel).

– ENDS –

About Ferring Pharmaceuticals

Ferring Pharmaceuticals is a Swiss-based research driven, specialty biopharmaceutical group active in global markets. The company identifies, develops and markets innovative products in the areas of endocrinology, gastroenterology, gynaecology, fertility and urology. In recent years Ferring has expanded beyond its traditional European base and has operations in over 40 countries. To learn more about Ferring or its products please visit www.ferring.com.

For more information, please contact

Helen Gallagher
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
+41 58 301 00 51
+41 58 301 0039
helen.gallagher@ferring.com

European Commission grants Ferring Pharmaceuticals approval of FIRMAGON® (degarelix) for treatment of prostate cancer

Saint-Prex, Switzerland – 19 February, 2009 –

Ferring Pharmaceuticals announced today that it has received marketing authorisation from the European Commission, for FIRMAGON® (degarelix), a new GnRH receptor antagonist indicated for patients with advanced, hormone-dependent prostate cancer.

In Phase III studies degarelix produced a significant reduction in levels of testosterone^1,2, within three days in more than 96% of study patients.³ Testosterone plays a major role in the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells.

The data show that degarelix provided an extremely fast effect on testosterone levels, close to the immediate effect achieved with surgery (orchidectomy).^2,3

“We are delighted with the approval of FIRMAGON® (degarelix), which demonstrated in clinical trials both an immediate onset of action and a profound long-term suppression of testosterone and PSA” commented Dr. Pascal Danglas, Executive Vice President Clinical & Product Development at Ferring Pharmaceuticals. “We will work with local authorities to ensure the launch of FIRMAGON to patients across European Union countries as soon as possible.”

The European Commission approval for FIRMAGON® (degarelix) follows approval from the FDA in the US in December 2008.

– ENDS –

Notes to Editors

About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men, and the second leading cause of cancer death. In the US 218,890 new cases were estimated for 2007, with a mortality rate of 27,050. In 2005 127,490 new cases were diagnosed in the 5 biggest European countries and 18,310 in Japan.

About degarelix

Degarelix is a GnRH receptor antagonist indicated for advanced prostate cancer. Ferring plans to communicate a range of information about the treatment at the European Academy of Urology (EAU) congress in Stockholm in March.

About Ferring Pharmaceuticals

Ferring is a Swiss-headquartered, research driven, speciality biopharmaceutical group active in global markets. The company identifies, develops and markets innovative products in the areas of urology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, gynaecology, and fertility. In recent years Ferring has expanded beyond its traditional European base and now has offices in over 45 countries. To learn more about Ferring or our products please visit www.ferring.com.

For more information, please contact

Michael George
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
+41 58 301 0053
michael.george@ferring.com

References

1. 1. Van Poppel H, De La Rosette JJ, Persson B.E, Oleson TK, Degarelix Study Group; Long-term evaluation of degarelix, a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor blocker, investigated in a multicentre randomised study in prostate cancer (CAP) patients. Abstract (23.) Euro Urol Suppl 2007;6(2):28.
   2. Boccon-Gibod L, Klotz L, Schröder FH, Andreou C, Persson BE, Cantor P, Jensen JK, Olesen TK; Degarelix compared to leuprolide depot 7.5 mg in a 12-month randomised, open-label, parallel-group phase III study in prostate cancer patients. Abstract 537 presented at the 23rd EAU Congress, Milan, Italy, 2008.
   3. Nielsen S, Connolly M, Persson B, Variation between countries in the perceived use of antiandrogens to prevent flare symptoms: results of a comprehensive survey. Abstract 539 presented at the 23rd EAU Congress, Milan, Italy, 2008.

Ferring Pharmaceuticals fait un don d’1 million à l’université McGill

Saint-Prex, Suisse – Le 22 janvier 2009 –

Ferring Pharmaceuticals, la société biopharmaceutique internationale, a annoncé aujourd’hui qu’elle a fait un don de 1 million à l’Université McGill de Montréal au Canada. Ce don sera utilisé pour la création de bourses Ferring destinées à des étudiants postgrade, pour le financement de la recherche pour la protection de l’environnement dans l’Arctique, et pour des projets de recherche scientifique. Depuis sa création en 1950 par le docteur Frederik Paulsen, Ferring s’est concentrée sur la recherche, l’application de principes scientifiques rigoureux et les meilleures études universitaires indépendantes. En faisant ce don à l’Université McGill, Ferring pourra continuer à canaliser son action en créant des bourses de recherche Ferring. Des étudiants de la Faculté de médecine de l’Université McGill pourront en bénéficier.

Marc Weinstein, Vice-principal, développement et relations avec les diplômés, explique :

«Nous sommes ravis que Ferring Pharmaceuticals s’associe à l’Université McGill pour offrir un soutien aux meilleurs étudiants diplômés et pour continuer la recherche au sein de McGill.».”

Ferring financera également des recherches sur l’environnement dans l’Arctique, conduites par le professeur Bruno Tremblay, spécialisé dans le changement climatique. Ce projet sera axé sur la recherche des causes du changement climatique et tachera aussi d’apporter de possibles solutions.

Finalement, Ferring fournira un financement ad hoc à des projets scientifiques durant les trois prochaines années. Les étudiants postgrade de l’Université McGill seront invités à soumettre des propositions à l’équipe recherche et développement de Ferring et les fonds seront attribués en considérant les qualités intrinsèques du projet.

Michel Pettigrew, Président du Comité Exécutif et Chief Operating Officer de Ferring Pharmaceuticals, lui-même diplômé de l’Université McGill, s’est exprimé ainsi :

« Dans le monde, McGill est une des meilleures universités basées sur la recherche et sera à l’avenir un excellent partenaire de Ferring. Nous avons toujours cru à l’importance d’investir dans la formation et la recherche scientifiques et nous croyons que le programme que nous avons développé avec McGill, sera une contribution importante dans un grand nombre de domaines. »

– FIN –

À propos de l’Université McGill

Fondée à Montréal, au Québec, en 1821, l’Université McGill se classe comme chef de file parmi les universités canadiennes. McGill compte deux campus, 11 facultés, 10 écoles professionnelles, 300 programmes d’études et plus de 33 000 étudiants, originaires de 160 pays. La Campagne de financement de McGill: Inventer l’avenir a été lancée publiquement en octobre 2007. Son objectif de 750 millions de dollars est le plus important dans l’histoire des campagnes de financement d’universités canadiennes.

Pour en savoir plus sur l’Université McGill, veuillez visiter leur site : http://francais.mcgill.ca/.

À propos de Ferring

Ferring Pharmaceuticals, basé en Suisse, est un groupe biopharmaceutique, porté par la recherche spécialisée et actif dans les marchés globaux. La société identifie, développe et met des produits novateurs sur le marché dans les domaines endocrinologie, gastroentérologie, gynécologie, fertilité et urologie. Les dernières années, Ferring s’est déployé au-delà de sa base traditionnelle européenne et est actif dans plus de 45 pays. Pour en savoir plus sur Ferring et ses produits, veuillez visiter notre site www.ferring.com.

Pour plus d’informations, s’il-vous-plaît contactez

Helen Gallagher
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
+41 58 301 00 51
+41 58 301 0039
helen.gallagher@ferring.com