PARSIPPANY, N.J., May 13 NJ-Ferring-EUFLEXXA
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 www.EUFLEXXA.com.
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 www.FerringUSA.com.
Important Treatment Considerations
EUFLEXXA(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.
SOURCE Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc.
