The Incredible Egg

State of the A.R.T, Madrid – June 29th, 2003 –

World renowned infertility clinicians and scientists gather to debate the newest research into the complexities of human eggs (oocytes) which form the basis of the human embryo.

Scientists have long established that the quality of human eggs, or oocytes and embryos used in infertility can have a major impact on the chances of a successful pregnancy. Indeed the better the embryos, the higher likelihood of a healthy fetus.

But vital questions such as what is needed to improve the quality of oocytes have yet been unanswered and need to be discussed.

International infertility experts will convene at a congress today to preview the newest scientific findings to help find answers to these questions.

The invitation only State of the Art¹ meeting precedes the renowned ESHRE conference and will follow a ‘think-tank’ atmosphere in which delegates and speakers can debate, exchange views and ideas.

Infertile couples who are unable to become pregnant after first line therapy such as ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination, or reproductive surgery seek the next logical step which is Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)¹. Indeed it is in these circumstances that egg quality and quantity become relevant.

These ART treatments include In Vitro Fertilization and other assisted laboratory techniques designed to improve fertilization. Compared to simpler treatments, ART procedures typically have very high success rates but are more complex as they involve well-coordinated effort between the medical team, drug treatment, laboratory staff and the patient.
Treatment options include assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF and ICSI, ovulation induction to enhance the production of eggs, surgery to repair reproductive organs and intrauterine insemination to increase the chances for egg fertilization by the sperm.

It is here that increased knowledge of oocytes in relevant as infertility experts say that not all oocytes are created equally and that there are news ways to predict the reproductive potential of the egg.

Professor Johan Smitz, Centre for Reproductive Medicine of the Free University, Brussels, Belgium will discuss an old, yet unresolved important issue in reproductive medicine: the requirement for LH (luetinizing hormone) during follicle stimulation to promote developmentally competent oocytes.

His initial analysis of the pregnancy outcome of IVF as well as ICSI cycles in a recently accomplished large, randomised, controlled trial suggest a relationship between LH activity and ongoing pregnancy rate in IVF cycles but not in ICSI cycles.

While debate continues, experts remain positive about treatment.

“The statistics show that while infertility is a serious medical condition, it can be effectively treated,” said Dr. Søren Ziebe, conference chairman and head of the laboratory at the Fertility Clinic at the University Hospital of Copenhagen, Denmark. “Meetings such as State of the Art help shape and influence treatment strategies so that we can make the best results possible for our patients.”

About Ferring Pharmaceuticals

Ferring is a research driven, speciality biopharmaceutical group active in global markets.  The company identifies, develops and markets innovative products in the areas of endocrinology, gastroenterology, gynecology, infertility and urology.

In recent years Ferring has expanded beyond its traditional European base and now has operating subsidiaries in over 40 countries.

To learn more about Ferring or our products please visit us at:
www.Ferring.com.

For more information, please contact

Sharmi Albrechtsen
Ferring International Center
+45 28 78 72 09
sharmi.albrechtsen@ferring.com

References

1. “State of the Art” is sponsored, through an unrestricted educational grant, by Ferring Pharmaceuticals, a global leader in developing treatments for infertility. Ferring’s product MENOPUR, licensed for use in Europe for the treatment of infertility as the only product containing both luteinizing hormone activity as well as follicle stimulating hormone.

Counting the Costs of Nightly Visits to the Bathroom – Businesses lose € 14 million Euros each year in reduced productivity

Copenhagen, Denmark – 6 June, 2003 –

New research reveals that a largely ignored health problem, affecting nearly 40 million people in Europe¹, is unnecessarily putting lives at risk² and costing the economy millions of Euros a year.³

Danish researchers who conducted a 13 year study of adults with nocturia², a condition where individuals are woken regularly and frequently during the night with an urgent need to pass urine, revealed a significant detrimental effect on daytime functioning in sufferers and, an increased risk to their health and life expectancy.

“Our results clearly demonstrate that nocturia is responsible for adverse levels of disturbed sleep,” explained Dr Poul Jennum, presenting the data to medical specialists gathered in Malta this week to discuss a need for improved diagnosis and treatment of nocturia. (First International Nocturia Workshop, 6 – 8 June, 2003).

“This leads to a degree of sleep deprivation that has devastating effects on an individual’s performance and relationships and, is also linked to the development of medical and neurological disorders, particularly where sleep is regularly broken during the first 4 hours.”

Such interruptions have been shown to affect primarily the front part of the brain, the area responsible for concentration, working memory and rational and creative thinking. “This explains the high levels of daytime sleepiness, depression, bad mood swings, poor memory and difficulties managing work reported by those with nocturia, around double that in people without nocturia,” said Dr Jennum.

The extensive data also demonstrated that disturbed sleep due to nocturia is a risk factor for health problems and a shortened life expectancy, with a higher incidence of raised blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy, sleep apnoea and accidents being reported in those with the condition.

Figures show that 30 percent of working people get up at least once a night because of nocturia, a number that rises to 60 percent in people over 70 years of age.¹ “Getting up in the night to pass urine can also result in falls and broken bones, particularly among the elderly,” continued Dr Jennum.

The most common contributing factor in cases of nocturia, is an over production of urine during the night (polyuria). This is due to the body being unable to produce adequate quantities of the antidiuretic hormone, vasopressin, released during sleep to ensure the volume of urine produced does not outstrip the capacity of the bladder.

“Up to 75 percent of cases of nocturia⁴, involve a degree of this form of polyuria,” according to Dr Gary Robertson, Professor of Medicine and Neurology at the Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, USA. He went on to report on the results of several trials that successfully used desmopressin, a synthetic analogue of the natural antidiuretic hormone to treat nocturia.

The meeting learned that desmopressin, easily administered in the form of a tablet, significantly reduced nocturnal polyuria and nocturia in 45 – 75 percent of treated patients⁴, and increased the duration of their initial sleep phase.

The results showed that sleepers could gain at least twice more sleep than achieved without — proving desmopressin to be a simple remedy for improving quality sleep in patients with nocturia.

A Swedish evaluation into the impact of nocturia³, presented to the meeting by researchers from Lund University Hospital, showed that waking up in the night to empty the bladder to be as debilitating on daytime performance as the early stage of multiple sclerosis.

Work performance and activity were significantly impaired, with a 9.2 percent reduction in productivity in individuals with nocturia, who also had significantly lower levels of vitality and utility.

Detrimental effects were also more severe in those individuals with more frequent nighttime disturbances. Work impairment was shown to increase by a further 2 percent for each additional wakening, with women being found to be significantly more affected than men in all areas.

The team also looked into the economics of nocturia. Estimating that the reduction in work productivity equated to an indirect cost of €3,700 a year, for each individual with nocturia.

Dr Jennum said that the growing evidence presented at the meeting is so compelling that all doctors should be taking the condition more seriously, and called for improved diagnosis and treatment of any underlying causes.

Nocturia can occur in either sex and at any age but is a problem, despite its prevalence, that is largely ignored by sufferers and under-treated by doctors, often regarded as being trivial, or a unavoidable consequence of growing older.

“We are looking at an otherwise healthy and professional active group of individuals whose work performance, ability to take part in leisure activities and long-term health is being affected unecessarily,” said Dr Jennum.

About Ferring Pharmaceuticals

Ferring is a research driven, speciality biopharmaceutical group active in global markets.  The company identifies, develops and markets innovative products in the areas of endocrinology, gastroenterology, gynecology, infertility and urology.

In recent years Ferring has expanded beyond its traditional European base and now has operating subsidiaries in over 40 countries.

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

For more information, please contact

Sharmi Albrechtsen
Communication Manager, Ferring International Center
+45 28 78 72 09
sharmi.albrechtsen@ferring.com

References

1. 1. Blanker M, Bohnen A, Normal Voiding Patterns and Determinants of Increased Diurnal and Nocturnal Voiding Frequency In Elderly Men. J of Urology. 2000.
   2. Jennum P, The Impact of Nocturia on Sleep. Abstract of study presented at First International Nocturia Workshop, 6 – 8 June 2003
   3. Kobelt G, Mattiasson A, Borgström F, Kildegaard Nielsen S. The Impact of Nocturia on Productivity, Vitality and Utility in Healthy Active Individuals. Poster presented at at First International Nocturia Workshop, 6 – 8 June 2003
   4. Robertson G, Which Patients Benefit from Desmopressin Treatment? Abstract of study presented at First International Nocturia Workshop, 6 – 8 June 2003

Her Majesty the Queen of Sweden Addresses Salk Institute Meeting on Childhood Diseases in Stockholm

Stockholm, Sweden – June 4, 2003 –

Her Majesty the Queen of Sweden will officially open the Salk Institute’s annual International Council meeting at the Grand Hotel in Stockholm. The meeting from June 4 to 6 will review the latest research combating diseases of childhood and early infant development.

Her Majesty works actively to support disabled children and is chairman of the Royal Wedding Fund, which supports research in sports for disabled youngsters. She also is the founder of the World Childhood Foundation, which strives to create better living conditions for children worldwide.

“We are honored that Her Majesty will officially open the annual council meeting,” said Salk Institute President and CEO Richard Murphy. “Her work supporting the welfare of children is well-known internationally and provides a solid start for our discussions on research to improve the lives of children worldwide.”

Members of the Salk’s International Council, who act as informed ambassadors worldwide for the institute’s research programs, will review research directions and discuss recent projects with Murphy, Salk Nobel laureates Sydney Brenner and Renato Dulbecco, and other Salk scientists.

Topics will include connecting the human genome to birth defects, reviewing strategies to cure diabetes in children, discovering how genes build young brains, identifying the roles genes play in behavior, and the effects of maternal and childhood stress on later life.

Members of the International Council will also tour the Karolinska Institute, where the Nobel Prize is awarded. Five members of the Salk Institute’s faculty and six individuals who trained at the Salk Institute have received the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine.

The International Council consists of about 90 members, who live in Europe, Asia and North America. Council members include leaders in business and industry, medicine, law, finance, communications, the arts, and community affairs. Together and in their home countries, they promote wider recognition of the Salk’s basic biomedical research, conducted to gain new knowledge of the basic principles of life. These new insights have helped combat a wide range of disorders including cancer, AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, birth defects and diabetes.

The meeting is sponsored by an unrestricted educational grant from the Dr. Frederik Paulsen Foundation.

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, located in La Jolla, Calif., is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to fundamental discoveries in the life sciences, the improvement of human health and conditions, and the training of future generations of researchers. Jonas Salk, M.D., founded the institute in 1960 with a gift of land from the City of San Diego and the financial support of the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation.

For more information, please contact

Sharmi Albrechtsen
Ferring International Center
+45 28 78 72 09
sharmi.albrechtsen@ferring.com

Robert Bradford
+01 858.453.4100 ext. 1290
bradford@salk.edu

Ferring featured in the American Medical Review ™ television series

Copenhagen, Denmark – March 18, 2003 –

Ferring will be featured on the television programme American Medical Review this spring Season on American Public Television.

The series, hosted by Morley Safer (60 Minutes) features stories on various technologies, products or services that have significantly contributed on an international level to the advancement of the healthcare industry.

The 5-minute segment features interviews with Ferring Research Institute (FRI), Vice-President Jerzy Trojnar and Board Director, Prof. Michael Rosenblatt. Infertility specialist, Dr. William P. Hummel of the San Diego Fertility Center was also interviewed.

Ferring’s history and unique qualifications in peptide research is highlighted in the segment along with information regarding Ferring’s new compounds in prostate cancer and urology. The programme begins with information on the company’s specialisation in natural-derived infertility products and then broadly turns to the Ferring’s milestones made in peptide research and drug development. The show ends with an interview with Dr. Trojnar and Prof. Rosenblatt describing the numerous research possibilities in the field of peptides especially in osteoporosis.

‘We are extremely proud that the American Medical Review chose Ferring as a topic for their show. Peptides are our strong point and it is fantastic to be recognised on public television for our efforts,’ said Dr. Trojnar.

Portions of the Ferring profile were shot on location at FRI in San Diego, California and Harvard Medical School in Boston, Mass. This profile will be fed via satellite to 345 Public Television stations nationally in the US. The individual stations based on their own varying schedules – primarily during peak and prime time programming, air American Review Series profiles.

The American Review Series profiles can also be seen on the American Independent Network, AIN, as well as internationally on WorldNet, a U.S. Government News and Information service.

About Ferring Pharmaceuticals

Ferring 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, gynecology, infertility and urology.

In recent years Ferring has expanded beyond its traditional European base and now has operating subsidiaries in over 40 countries.

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

For more information, please contact

Sharmi Albrechtsen
Ferring International Center
+45 28 78 72 09
sharmi.albrechtsen@ferring.com

New website about primary nocturnal enuresis opened in Scandinavia

Copenhagen, Denmark – 3 March, 2003 –

Ferring Pharmaceuticals is proud to announce the launch of the website www.dryallnight.com.

The site is available in the Scandinavian languages, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish and is intended to function as a one-stop information resource for parents, teachers and health professionals with respect to primary nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting). The information on the site is based on knowledge from leading Scandinavian groups with enuresis expertise.

Over 200.000 Scandinavian children have problems with bedwetting. The goal of the site is to create awareness that bedwetting is a common problem which can be treated promptly and effectively.

About Ferring Pharmaceuticals

Ferring is a research driven, speciality biopharmaceutical group active in global markets.  The company identifies, develops and markets innovative products in the areas of urology, obstetrics and infertility, gastroenterology and endocrinology.  In recent years Ferring has expanded beyond its traditional European base and now has operating subsidiaries in over 40 countries.

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

For more information, please contact

Karsten Lauridsen
Ferring Lægemidler
+45 28 95 96 22
karsten.lauridsen@ferring.com

First international consultation on nocturia sheds light on neglected disease area

22 February 2003

An international congress has been established by a panel of world leading experts to educate urologists and GPs about the neglected disease area called Nocturia. Nocturia means waking to urinate more than once a night regularly.

Existing data indicates that 37.5 million Europeans (30 percent of the population aged 50 to 54 years old and 60 percent of those 70 to 80 years old)¹ suffer from the disease, leaving a significant number of them under slept, less productive and accident prone.

Nocturia is largely an ignored and under-treated problem. Many people fail to seek advice about night time voiding because they mistakenly believe that it is a natural and unavoidable consequence of ageing.

“Waking up in the middle of the night on a regular basis, particularly during the crucial first four hours of sleep can cause serious problems — apart from the negative consequences of sleep disruption, says Prof. Paul Abrams of Southmead Hospital in Bristol and chairman of the conference. ‘Getting up in the night to pass urine can result in falls and fractures among the elderly who may be taking medication which makes them drowsy and therefore less alert.”

Sufferers of nocturia are open to serious health risks because nocturia causes sleep deprivation, which increases the chance of traumatic injury through falling.²

In a study of night-time falls of the elderly those with nocturia were at a significantly greater risk of falling, increasing from 10% to 21% with two or more voids per night.³

“Many people with nocturia suffer in silence or they may not realise that they have a problem, however people with nocturia can suffer from sleep disruption which can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, increased morbidity and even car accidents'” says Professor Poul Jennum, Consultant at the Sleep Laboratory, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup Hospital.

There are many causes of nocturia including ageing and underlying diseases or conditions. One common cause is an overproduction of urine during the night.

People who suffer from nocturia should seek help from their physician. Whilst activities like reducing fluid intake and caffeinated drinks before bedtime can be effective, this may not be the solution for everyone. At present, a new treatment for nocturia, desmopressin, a drug which decreases urine production, has been approved in Finland and Mexico. It has been submitted for approval in the UK.

The First International Consultation on Nocturia is sponsored by an unrestricted educational grant from Ferring Pharmaceuticals.

For more information, please contact

Bristol Urology Institute
+ 44 117 959 5690
+44 117 962 2970
edu@bui.ac.uk

References

1. Blanker Marco, Bohnen Arthur, Normal Voiding Patterns and Determinants of Increased Diurnal and Nocturnal Voiding Frequency In Elderly Men. J of Urology. 2000.
2. Barker JC, Mitteness LS. Nocturia in the elderly. Gerontologist 1988. 28:99.
3. Stewart RB. Moore MT, May FE et al. Nocturia: a risk factor for falls in the elderly. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1992. 40:1217-20.