Ferring Pharmaceuticals' FIRMAGON® Joins Race to End Prostate Cancer as Official Sponsor of the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge / Dash for Dad

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Aug. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc., the makers of FIRMAGON® (degarelix for injection), is in the race to end prostate cancer as an official sponsor of the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge / Dash for Dad, the premier prostate cancer race series in the United States, led by ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer.  FIRMAGON® is a hormone antagonist therapy for advanced prostate cancer.

"ZERO's Dash for Dad exemplifies the determination needed to beat prostate cancer," said William Garbarini, Vice President, US Marketing, Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. "It is inspiring to see athletes, doctors and friends—but especially survivors and family members—race with such commitment to stop prostate cancer in its tracks. We are proud to support their efforts."  

This year, ZERO expects more than 7,000 participants across 14 cities in the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge / Dash for Dad.  Baltimore, Nashville, and Indianapolis are just a few of the cities where running races and walks will be held.  The widespread exposure generated by the events will go a long way toward advancing the organization's mission—zero tolerance for prostate cancer.

The first Dash for Dad race took place in 2008 in an effort to promote prostate cancer awareness, early detection and research. To date, the national series has raised more than one million dollars.  ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer, dedicates the proceeds from each event to free prostate cancer screenings in the host community.

"We are thrilled Ferring has joined our race to end prostate cancer," said ZERO's CEO Skip Lockwood.  "Their product FIRMAGON is an important treatment option for advanced prostate cancer patients, and reflects their determination to help provide effective treatment for patients suffering with this disease. Teaming up will strengthen our ability to cross the finish line, and reach our goal."

Prostate cancer is diagnosed every two minutes and 15 seconds, and takes about one life every 18 minutes.  It is the most common non-skin cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer death in American men. About one man in six will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, and one in 35 will die of this disease.

To get information on a Great Prostate Cancer Challenge / Dash for Dad event in your area, visit: http://www.GreatProstateCancerChallenge.com/

About ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer

Zero prostate cancer deaths. Zero prostate cancer cases and for those with prostate cancer, it means a zero PSA. The name stands for zero tolerance for prostate cancer.  ZERO - The Project to End Prostate Cancer is committed to not only reducing prostate cancer and alleviating pain from the disease but to end it. They see a future where all men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer will be cured or manage their illness with good quality of life, with the support they need to minimize physical and emotional suffering and to cope effectively throughout their cancer journeys. They provide comprehensive treatment information to patients, education to those at risk and conduct free prostate cancer testing throughout the country. They increase research funds from the federal government to find new treatments and fund local grants to end the disease.

About FIRMAGON

FIRMAGON is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.

Important Safety Information

FIRMAGON should not be given to people who are allergic to any of the ingredients in FIRMAGON.  It should not be given to women who are pregnant or may become pregnant.  FIRMAGON can harm an unborn baby when given to a pregnant woman.

Before receiving FIRMAGON, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you have any heart problems, problems with balance of your body salts or electrolytes (such as, sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium), or have kidney or liver problems.

The common side effects of FIRMAGON  include: hot flashes, injection site pain, redness and swelling (especially with the first dose), weight gain, increase in some liver enzymes, tiredness, hypertension, back and joint pain, chills, urinary tract infection, and decreased sex drive and trouble with erectile function (impotence). Please see Full Prescribing Information at www.Firmagon.com.

About Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a subsidiary of Ferring Pharmaceuticals, a Swiss-headquartered, research driven, specialty biopharmaceutical group active in global markets. The company identifies, develops and markets innovative products in the areas of endocrinology, gastroenterology, reproductive health and urology. Ferring Pharmaceuticals offers a line of urology, infertility, gynecology, and orthopaedic products in the U.S. market. For more information, call 1-888-FERRING (1-888-337-7464) or visit www.FerringUSA.com http://www.ferringusa.com/.

SOURCE Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc.