Ferring reports positive trial data for Firmagon

Ferring has announced positive new clinical trial data supporting the benefits of its drug Firmagon for prostate cancer patients.

Data from a pair of phase IIIb studies has shown that Firmagon is able to deliver non-inferior performance to a leading alternative combination therapy in terms of reducing prostate volume among patients with advanced hormone-dependent prostate cancer.

In addition, it offered superior results compared to the alternative in providing control over lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), such as increased frequency, urgency and hesitancy in urination.

Professor Malcolm Mason of Cardiff University's institute of cancer and genetics said: "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."

Last month, Ferring announced a new collaboration with Elsevier and the International Federation of Fertility Societies, which will aim to improve understanding of fertility issues.

It will focus on less developed parts of the world and will not be directly related to any specific Ferring product.