Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc., the makers of FIRMAGON® (degarelix for injection), a hormone antagonist therapy for advanced prostate cancer, has joined the race to end prostate cancer as an official sponsor of the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge®, the fastest growing men's health event series in the United States. Now in its fifth year, the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge (GPCC) is led by ZERO The Project to End Prostate Cancer.

"The Great Prostate Cancer Challenge is an inspiring example of communities coming together in an effort to stop prostate cancer, and to support all those who have been impacted by this disease," said William Garbarini, Vice President, US Marketing, Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. "We are extremely proud to support this worthwhile event series, and we congratulate ZERO and all GPCC participants."

ZERO expects more than 15,000 participants across 27 cities in this year's Great Prostate Cancer Challenge events. Atlanta, Detroit, and Tucson are just a few of the cities where running races and walks will be held. This year's first GPCC event will be held in Albuquerque, NM on Saturday, May 7. The widespread exposure generated by the GPCC events will go a long way toward advancing the organization's mission zero tolerance for prostate cancer.

The first GPCC event took place in 2007 in an effort to promote prostate cancer awareness, early detection and research. To date, the national event series has raised nearly $2 million. ZERO dedicates the proceeds from each event to free prostate cancer screenings in the host community.

"The ZERO team is excited to have Ferring as a partner for the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge," said ZERO's CEO Skip Lockwood. "Their product FIRMAGON is one important treatment option for patients with advanced prostate cancer. Their support of the GPCC demonstrates their commitment to the goal of helping end prostate cancer and those who are suffering from this disease."

Prostate cancer is diagnosed approximately every two minutes, 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.

Source: Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc