Ferring Pharmaceuticals has signed an agreement to expand its women's health product portfolio with the acquisition of the global rights to Xanodyne Pharmaceutical’s Lysteda (tranexamic acid), a first-in-class, non-hormonal therapy indicated specifically for treatment of women with cyclic heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). The company will initially market Lysteda in the US, and is evaluating opportunities in other markets. Lysteda oral tablets received approval on November 13, 2009 following a Priority Review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is estimated that up to 22 million women suffer from HMB in the US.

"Ferring, as a global, privately held biopharmaceutical company, has a long-standing commitment to the health of women worldwide," said Michel L Pettigrew, president of the Executive Board, and president and CEO, Ferring Holding Inc. "The acquisition of Lysteda, in addition to our ongoing support of research and medical education in the field of Reproductive Health, demonstrates this significant commitment and represents an important addition to our Women’s Health portfolio."

Added Olivier Delannoy, vice president, US Infertility Business Unit, "In the US, the acquisition of Lysteda enables us to expand into the field of obstetrics and gynaecology. Ferring is a well-established leader in reproductive endocrinology with the broadest portfolio of infertility treatments in the U.S., including Menopur, Bravelle and Endometrin. The addition of Lysteda furthers our goal of providing treatments for every stage of a woman's reproductive health, including before, during and after pregnancy."

Ferring will introduce Lysteda to the Obstetric and Gynaecology community at the upcoming American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) 58th Annual Clinical Meeting, May 15-19, 2010 in San Francisco.

Lysteda (tranexamic acid) tablets are indicated for the treatment of cyclic heavy menstrual bleeding. Prior to prescribing Lysteda, exclude endometrial pathology that can be associated with heavy menstrual bleeding.

Ferring Pharma is a privately owned, research driven specialty biopharmaceutical group active in global markets.