Ferring Pharmaceuticals joins race to fight prostate cancer

Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. is in the race to end prostate cancer as an official sponsor of the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge/Dash for Dad, a series of races in the United States, led by ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer.

Ferring manufactures Firmagon (degarelix for injection), 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 of U.S. marketing for Ferring Pharmaceuticals, based in Parsippany, N.J. “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.”

ZERO expects more than 7,000 participants to compete in races across 14 cities this year. The first race was held Aug. 29 in Columbus, Ohio, and the remaining 13 will be held from September through November.

The first Dash for Dad race took place in 2008 in an effort to promote prostate cancer awareness, early detection, and research. The series has raised more than $1 million. 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 Skip Lockwood, CEO of ZERO, which is based in Washington, D.C. “Firmagon is an important treatment option for advanced prostate cancer patients, and reflects [the company’s] 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 2 minutes and 15 seconds; it takes 1 life approximately every 18 minutes. It is the most common non-skin cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death in U.S. men. Approximately 1 man in 6 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, and 1 in 35 will die of the disease.

For information on races locations, visit www.GreatProstateCancerChallenge.com.