Ferring Pharmaceuticals’ EUFLEXXA(R) to Serve as a Sponsor for the Babolat World Tennis Classic

PARSIPPANY, N.J., May 13 /PRNewswire/ — Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. has announced that EUFLEXXA(R) (1% sodium hyaluronate), its hyaluronic acid (HA) therapy for the pain of knee osteoarthritis, will serve as a sponsor for the Babolat World Tennis Classic.The Babolat World Tennis Classic is a Category II United States Tennis Association sanctioned tournament held in Rancho Mirage, CA for men and women aged 35-85. The largest adult tennis tournament of its kind in the world, most recently the Classic featured a record 770 matches with entrants representing 35 states and five foreign countries.”We are excited to be part of such an amazing event,” said Alex Drigan, Product Director for EUFLEXXA(R). “Tennis is a lifelong sport that helps keep people healthy and active. We strongly believe in events that offer people an opportunity to enjoy competitive athletics later in life.”Entering its 22nd year, the 2009 Babolat Tennis World Classic will be held from January 25 to February 1 at the Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, CA.About EUFLEXXA(R)EUFLEXXA(R) (1% sodium hyaluronate) is the first and only non-avian derived hyaluronic acid approved in the U.S. for the Treatment of pain caused by knee osteoarthritis and continues to be the fastest growing brand of HA on the market.(1) EUFLEXXA(R) is indicated for a three-injection Treatment regimen for patients who have failed to respond adequately to conservative non-pharmacologic therapy and simple analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen). In a prospective, randomized, double-blind, head-to-head study versus the market leading HA therapy, significantly more patients were “pain-free” and “symptom-free” with EUFLEXXA(R).(2)The process used to manufacture EUFLEXXA(R) produces the HA that most closely resembles the HA in healthy human synovial fluid and the most highly purified HA product available today. In addition, since it is not derived from an avian source (chicken or rooster combs), the risk of reactions related to avian proteins is eliminated.(3-8)EUFLEXXA(R) received PMA approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on December 3, 2004, and became available to the public on November 8, 2005. For more information, visit .About Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc.Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc., part of the Ferring Group, is a privately owned, international pharmaceutical company. Ferring’s line of orthopaedic products includes EUFLEXXA(R), hyaluronic acid for pain from osteoarthritis in the knee.Ferring also markets BRAVELLE(R) (urofollitropin for injection, purified), MENOPUR(R) (menotropins for injection, USP) and REPRONEX(R) (menotropins for injection, USP), Novarel(R) (chorionic gonadotropin for injection, USP) and ENDOMETRIN(R) (progesterone) Vaginal Insert, 100 mg in the U.S. to infertility specialists and their patients. Ferring also offers the Q-CAP(TM), the first and only needle-free reconstitution device, for use with its fertility treatments.Other products include: ACTHREL(R) (corticorelin ovine triflutate for injection) for the differential diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome; DESMOPRESSIN ACETATE in injectable and rhinal tube forms for the Treatment of diabetes insipidus and primary nocturnal enuresis; and PROSED(R)/DS for the relief of discomfort of the lower urinary tract.The Ferring Group specializes in the research, development and commercialization of compounds in general and pediatric endocrinology, urology, gastroenterology, obstetrics/gynecology and infertility. For more information, call 888-337-7464 or visit .Important Treatment ConsiderationsEUFLEXXA(R) (1% sodium hyaluronate) is indicated for the Treatment of knee pain due to osteoarthritis (OA). It is used in people who have failed to get adequate pain relief either from simple pain medications, such as acetaminophen, or from exercise and/or physical therapy. EUFLEXXA(R) should not be used in people who have had any previous allergic reaction to hyaluronate preparations or who have knee joint infections or skin diseases in the area of the injection site. In a randomized, double-blind, multicenter clinical trial, the only adverse events reported with EUFLEXXA(R) at an incidence of 5% or greater were arthralgia (joint pain) (8.75%) and back pain (5%). Temporary knee pain and swelling may occur after injection with EUFLEXXA(R). The safety and effectiveness of injecting EUFLEXXA(R) into the knee together with other injectable medications or into joints other than the knee have not been studied. The safety and effectiveness of Treatment cycles of fewer than 3 injections or of repeated Treatment cycles with EUFLEXXA(R) have not been established. Strict aseptic technique must be followed to avoid joint infection.It is recommended to avoid strenuous activity or prolonged weight-bearing activities such as jogging or tennis within 48 hours following intra-articular injection. 1 IMS National Sales Perspective Data, February 2008 2 Kirchner M, Marshall D. A double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing alternate forms of high molecular weight hyaluronan for the Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2006; 14: 154-162. 3 Schiavinato A, Finesso M, Cortivo R, & Abatangelo G. Comparison of the effects of intra-articular injections of Hyaluronan and its chemically cross-linked derivative (Hylan G-F20) in normal rabbit knee joints. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2002; 20: 445-454. 4 Goomer RS, Leslie K, Maris T, & Amiel D. Native hyaluronan produces less hypersensitivity than cross-linked hyaluronan. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2005; 434: 239-245. 5 Leopold SS, Warme WJ, Pettis PD, & Shott S. Increased frequency of acute local reaction to intra-articular hylan GF-20 (synvisc) in patients receiving more than one course of treatment. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2002; 84-A: 1619-1623. 6 Puttick MP, Wade JP, Chalmers A, Connell DG, & Rangno KK. Acute local reactions after intraarticular hylan for osteoarthritis of the knee. J Rheumatol. 1995; 22: 1311-1314. 7 Pullman-Mooar S, Mooar P, Sieck M, Clayburne G, & Schumacher HR. Are there distinctive inflammatory flares after hylan g-f 20 intraarticular injections? J Rheumatol. 2002; 29: 2611-2614. 8 Chen AL, Desai P, Adler EM, & Di Cesare PE. Granulomatous inflammation after Hylan G-F 20 viscosupplementation of the knee: a report of six cases. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2002; 84-A: 1142-1147.Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc.