PARSIPPANY, N.J., June 3, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced that it will donate $1M to the Alliance for Fertility Preservation (the Alliance), a newly formed 501c3 charitable organization established by and comprised of experts representing a broad range of disciplines. The Alliance helps to promote the education of patients diagnosed with cancer to enable them to make the best informed decisions regarding fertility preservation options prior to commencement of treatment and to better understand potential opportunities to help manage infertility after treatment.

According to survey responses from cancer survivors of childbearing age, less than half of patients recalled having a discussion of fertility or the effects their treatment might have on their future fertility upon being diagnosed with cancer.[i] Over 70,000 women in their twenties and thirties are diagnosed with various forms of cancer each year.[ii]

"As cancer survival rates increase, more and more patients need to consider their life after treatment, including how they might build or expand their family," said Joy Lewin, Director of Ferring's reproductive health unit. "Unfortunately, when faced with the overwhelming decisions surrounding their cancer diagnosis, future fertility is not top of mind.  We believe it's imperative to drive a better dialogue between healthcare providers and patients, which is why Ferring is supporting the Alliance in meeting this unmet need."

Formed in December 2011, the Alliance for Fertility Preservation, which was awarded 501c3 status on January 22, 2013 endeavors to promote a dialogue between patients and clinicians in an effort to optimize patient knowledge as to their expectations regarding fertility options as affected by their cancer care. The Alliance's unique, multidisciplinary approach with representation of experts in the fields of reproductive endocrinology, embryology, urology, oncology, psychology and reproductive law, will help the Alliance to address its goals.  

With the help provided by Ferring's donation, the Alliance will seek to develop educational tools to facilitate communication between patients and health care providers, work with healthcare systems to ensure they are equipped to provide patients with current and accurate information about fertility preservation and help to promote research in the field.

"Building on the American Society of Clinical Oncology's guidelines, the Alliance will work to identify different ways to assist physicians within different communities to help them educate their patients about fertility preservation and to provide support which enables patients to make informed decisions about their fertility options," said John Mulhall, M.D., Chairman of the Alliance for Fertility Preservation and urologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Other members of the executive committee include:

• Zev Rosenwaks, M.D., Alliance Vice Chairman, Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/ Weill Cornell Medical Center
• Glenn Schattman, M.D., Alliance Secretary/Treasurer, Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/ Weill Cornell Medical Center
• Leslie Schover, Ph.D., Alliance Executive Committee, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Tessa Cigler, M.D., M.P.H., Alliance Executive Committee. Weill Cornell Medical College, Division of Medical Oncology

About Ferring Pharmaceuticals
Ferring Pharmaceuticals is a research-driven biopharmaceutical company devoted to identifying, developing and marketing innovative products in the fields of reproductive health, urology, gastroenterology, endocrinology and osteoarthritis. For more information, visit www.ferringUSA.com.

About the Alliance for Fertility Preservation
The Alliance for Fertility Preservation was formed to help facilitate a dialogue between clinicians and patients who have recently been diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. about the potential loss of fertility due to cancer treatment and the options for fertility preservation. The mission of the Alliance for Fertility Preservation (the Alliance) is to educate and empower patients diagnosed with cancer to make the best decisions regarding fertility preservation prior to treatment and infertility management after treatment. The Alliance also endeavors to promote dialogue between patients and clinicians in an effort to optimize expectations and care. For more information, visit www.fertilitypreservationalliance.org or call 1-877-760-4122.

[i] Lee SJ, Schover LR, Patridge AH, et al. American Society of Clinical Oncology recommendations on fertility preservation in cancer patients. J Clin Oncol. 2006; 24(3): 2917-2931.

[ii] http://maps.cancer.gov/overview/DCCPSGrants/abstract.jsp?applId=7616037&term=CA134197

SOURCE Ferring Pharmaceuticals