Management of pre-term (premature) labour
Ferring’s research of the oxytocin receptor and its role in processes involving uterine contractility and onset of pre-term labour has led to the development of barusiban.
Barusiban has a higher selectivity and potency at the oxytocin receptor level with a faster onset of action and longer duration of action following parenteral administration than the previous generation of peptide oxytocin antagonist. Barusiban is currently undergoing clinical phase II trials.
The search for oxytocin antagonists through structural modifications of the natural hormone started in the late 1970s and has led to the development of two generations of oxytocin antagonist products.
This first generation of peptide oxytocin antagonist has shown clinical efficacy in preventing imminent pre-term labour. Continued research provided a greater understanding of uterine contractility and the role of oxytocin receptors. This led Ferring’s scientists to the discovery of the second-generation peptide oxytocin antagonist family leading to development of barusiban.
Infertility
MENOPUR is Ferring’s human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) product, designed for the treatment of infertility. It is currently available in several countries, including 15 in Europe. The product is undergoing additional clinical testing.
MENOPUR stimulates follicle development and recent data suggest that LH (luteinising hormone) activity, which can be found in MENOPUR, may be important for achieving better quality oocytes in assisted reproductive technology (ART) programmes.
BRAVELLE (HP FSH) is Ferring’s follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) product. In infertile females, administration of exogenous FSH stimulates follicular development. Ferring’s development of a highly purified FSH product will complement its existing infertility product portfolio. In May 2002 Ferring received the first approval to market this product in the US. Additional clinical studies are currently running in Europe and Japan.
ENDOMETRIN (FE 999913), vaginally administered progesterone was recently approved by the FDA for use in luteal support in patients undergoing ART. Submissions are ongoing in Europe and elsewhere.