November 11, 2010
ZERO’S GREAT PROSTATE CANCER CHALLENGE COMES TO CENTRAL FLORIDA TO HELP STOP PROSTATE CANCER IN ITS TRACKS WITH HELP FROM FERRING PHARMACEUTICALS
ZERO’S GREAT PROSTATE CANCER CHALLENGE COMES TO CENTRAL FLORIDA TO HELP STOP PROSTATE CANCER IN ITS TRACKS WITH HELP FROM FERRING PHARMACEUTICALS
PARSIPPANY, NJ – November 11, 2010 – Men, women and children from Central Florida have a chance to help stop prostate cancer in its tracks. The Great Prostate Cancer Challenge (GPCC) / Dash for Dad, led by ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer, together with its official sponsor Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc., the makers of FIRMAGON®(degarelix for injection—a hormone antagonist therapy for advanced prostate cancer), will take place adjacent to The Villages on Saturday, November 20, 2010. Members of the community are encouraged to lace up their sneakers for this important cause, or sponsor those who participate. The 5K Run/Walk begins at 8:00 AM in Oxford, FL at the Central Florida Prostate Cancer Center. All participants will receive a long sleeve performance shirt and “goodie bag” of products from area businesses. Awards will be presented to men and women in different age groups.
“We are proud to support ZERO’s Great Prostate Cancer Challenge / Dash for Dad, the premier prostate cancer race series in the United States,” said William Garbarini, Vice President, US Marketing, Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. “This race is an important chance to educate men in the Central Florida area about prostate cancer, particularly early detection through screenings and treatment options. It couldn’t be more inspiring to see prostate cancer survivors and family members, as well as athletes, doctors and friends, race with determination for a cause that affects so many.”
This year, ZERO expects more than 7,000 participants across 13 cities in the GPCC / Dash for Dad. The widespread exposure generated by the events will go a long way toward advancing the organization’s mission—zero tolerance for prostate cancer. It is the only men’s health fundraiser in the nation that is supported by physicians’ groups. The Central Florida Run/Walk is being coordinated by Central Florida Urology Specialists, a premier urology group practice serving 13 locations across four counties: Lake, Citrus, Sumter and Marion.
“Partnering with Ferring’s FIRMAGON—an important novel treatment option for locally advanced prostate cancer patients—means a great deal,” said ZERO’s CEO Skip Lockwood. “Ferring shares our emphatic commitment to prostate cancer awareness. Teaming up strengthens our ability to cross the finish line, and reach our goal.”
The first GPCC / Dash for Dad event took place in 2008 in an effort to promote prostate cancer awareness, early detection and research. To date, the national series has raised more than one million dollars through 10Ks, 5Ks and walks. ZERO dedicates the proceeds from each event to free prostate cancer screenings for men in their community.
Prostate cancer is diagnosed every two minutes and 15 seconds, 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.
The GPCC / Dash for Dad 5K Run/Walk will begin adjacent to The Villages at the Central Florida Prostate Cancer Center, 12109 CR 103, Oxford, FL 34484. For more information visit: http://www.GreatProstateCancerChallenge.com/
About ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer
Zero prostate cancer deaths. Zero prostate cancer cases and for those with prostate cancer, it means a zero PSA. The name stands for zero tolerance for prostate cancer. ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer is committed to not only reducing prostate cancer and alleviating pain from the disease but to end it. They see a future where all men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer will be cured or manage their illness with good quality of life, with the support they need to minimize physical and emotional suffering and to cope effectively throughout their cancer journeys. They provide comprehensive treatment information to patients, education to those at risk and conduct free prostate cancer testing throughout the country. They increase research funds from the federal government to find new treatments and fund local grants to end the disease.
About FIRMAGON
FIRMAGON is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.
Important Safety Information
FIRMAGON should not be given to people who are allergic to any of the ingredients in FIRMAGON. It should not be given to women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. FIRMAGON can harm an unborn baby when given to a pregnant woman.
Before receiving FIRMAGON, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you have any heart problems, problems with balance of your body salts or electrolytes (such as, sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium), or have kidney or liver problems.
The common side effects of FIRMAGON include: hot flashes, injection site pain, redness and swelling (especially with the first dose), weight gain, increase in some liver enzymes, tiredness, hypertension, back and joint pain, chills, urinary tract infection, and decreased sex drive and trouble with erectile function (impotence). Please see Full Prescribing Information at www.Firmagon.com.
About Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a subsidiary of Ferring Pharmaceuticals, a Swiss-headquartered, research driven, specialty biopharmaceutical group active in global markets. The company identifies, develops and markets innovative products in the areas of endocrinology, gastroenterology, reproductive health and urology. Ferring Pharmaceuticals offers a line of urology, infertility, gynecology, and orthopaedic products in the U.S. market. For more information, call 1-888-FERRING (1-888-337-7464) or visit http://www.FerringUsa.com/.