Swiss-based company Ferring Pharmaceuticals has received the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommendation for Firmagon (degarelix) for the treatment of advanced hormone-dependent prostate cancer with spinal metastases in the UK.
Firmagon (degarelix) is an antagonist form of androgen deprivation therapy that reversibly binds to the GnRH receptors, thereby immediately preventing the production of testosterone.
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The drug has been recommended by NICE after a review process for more than three years and follows the committee’s draft Appraisal Consultation Document (ACD) published last year.
The ACD recommended against the use of Firmagon (degarelix) within its marketing authorisation for treating advanced hormone-dependent prostate cancer.
Ferring Pharmaceuticals UK general manager Steve Howson said: "NICE’s decision represents a significant step forward, and is very good news for men living with advanced hormone-dependent prostate cancer, who are in need of rapid control of their condition.
"This has been a long process but throughout these last three years we have maintained our firm belief that Firmagon can have a significant impact on patients’ lives. We are delighted that our belief will now be realised across the UK."
The therapy to lowering the production of testosterone is regarded as a major treatment for patients with prostate cancer.
Firmagon is effective in reducing testosterone levels, thereby achieving clinically significant levels within three days of use, while maintenance therapy with Firmagon results to long-term testosterone suppression for up to five years.
It demonstrates longer progression-free survival compared to the existing hormonal therapy of luteinising hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists.
Clinical studies have shown that Firmagon can lower the risks of cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal events, and incidence of urinary tract events compared to when treated with LHRH agonists.
The treatment can also cause rapid reduction in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and in PSA progression, along with ensuring a better control of serum alkaline phosphatase (S-ALP), indicative of bone tumour activity.
Image: Micrograph showing a prostate cancer with perineural invasion. Photo: courtesy of Nephron.
