Partner in Progress: Ferring Pharmaceuticals

BCAN is proud to partner with Ferring Pharmaceuticals in our shared quest to create better todays and more tomorrows for bladder cancer patients and families.

The following content is sponsored by Ferring Uro-Oncology.

Ferring Uro-Oncology is guided by a deep commitment to bringing hope and healing to patients diagnosed with bladder cancer. With a focus on research-driven innovative therapies, Ferring offers access to the first and only FDA-approved intravesical gene therapy. ADSTILADRIN® (nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg) is a prescription medicine for the treatment of adults with a type of cancer of the lining of the bladder called non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), that has not spread to other parts of the body, and that did not respond to treatment with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Who should not receive ADSTILADRIN?

Do not receive Adstiladrin if you have a sensitivity to interferon alfa or any of its components.

What is the most important information I should know about ADSTILADRIN?

  • Delaying removal of the bladder in patients with bladder cancer that is not responding to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy Carcinoma in situ (CIS) could lead to development of muscle-invasive or metastatic bladder cancer. The risk increases the longer bladder removal is delayed in the presence of persisting CIS.
  • Individuals who are immunosuppressed or immune-deficient should not prepare, administer, receive or come into contact with ADSTILADRIN.

What are the possible side effects of Adstiladrin?

The most common side effects of ADSTILADRIN include: Urinary discharge, fatigue, bladder spasm, urgency to urinate, and blood in your urine. These are not all the possible side effects of ADSTILADRIN. For more information, ask your healthcare provider.

 What should I tell my healthcare provider?

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1- 800-FDA-1088.

Click here to learn more about ADSTILADRIN.

Gerald’s Story: How One Veteran Faces Bladder Cancer with Family, Resilience and Hope

For more than 26 years, U.S. Navy veteran Gerald devoted his life to protecting his shipmates and serving his country. Discipline, dedication, and putting others first have always defined him. But even a lifetime of service didn’t prepare him for one of his toughest battles yet: a diagnosis of high-risk bladder cancer.

Two years ago, Gerald noticed blood in his urine – a small warning sign that would change his life – and was diagnosed with high-risk non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer, or NMIBC. Like many patients, he began treatment with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and chemotherapy,1, but the frequent dosing schedules and disruptions to his daily life became overwhelming. Eventually, the cancer returned, forcing Gerald to confront an even bigger decision.

“My doctor explained that bladder removal, or radical cystectomy, is the standard of care in cases like mine, and that delaying surgery can increase the risk of the cancer progressing,” Gerald recalled. “Hearing that, I realized my life could change completely – but I wasn’t ready to give up my independence or time with my family without exploring every option.” Determined to find an alternative to bladder removal, Gerald and his doctor explored other treatment options. His care team recommended ADSTILADRIN® (nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg), an FDA-approved gene therapy used to treat certain adults with high-risk non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) whose cancer has not responded to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) treatment and who have carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without papillary tumors.

“I completed my fifth treatment this past December, and it continues to be life-changing,” Gerald shared. “The schedule is manageable, and I can stay focused on what truly matters. I’m living the life I want on my own terms.”

ADSTILADRIN can cause side effects. The most common include bladder discharge, fatigue, bladder spasm, and urinary urgency.1 Patients should talk to their doctor to understand potential risks and benefits.

“My doctor told me to stop Googling every symptom I felt,” Gerald said. “It was tough, but stepping away from the endless search allowed me to trust my care team and actually live my life again instead of being trapped by fear and uncertainty.”

For Gerald, his journey with bladder cancer is about more than treatment. He credits his wife and high school sweetheart, Alishia, for being by his side at every appointment. He also finds strength in online bladder cancer support groups and in sharing his story to help other veterans. “Two of my shipmates from the Navy were also diagnosed with bladder cancer. I’m the only one still here. That’s heavy, but it also gives me purpose – to make my experience count and help others face this disease with hope.” Gerald is sharing his story to raise awareness among other veterans who may face similar health challenges.

Gerald encourages others to prioritize early detection, lean on their care team, and seek credible information. His story is a powerful reminder that many veterans may face unique environmental exposures during their service that can increase their risk of certain presumptive conditions outlined in the PACT Act, including bladder cancer. Recognizing symptoms such as blood in the urine, frequent urination, or pain during urination – and seeking prompt medical attention – can make a critical difference in early diagnosis and care.

*Gerald is an actual patient who has been compensated for his time by Ferring Pharmaceuticals.

Watch Gerald’s Video

For more information about ADSTILADRIN, please see Important Safety Information below and for Full Prescribing Information, visit www.ADSTILADRIN.com.

1 ADSTILADRIN. Prescribing Information. Ferring Pharmaceuticals. 2025. Available at: ADSTILADRIN US Prescribing Information 2025

STIL preSERVE is a FREE digital solution created for patients who are receiving ADSTILADRIN® (nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg). It was developed with input from patients actively receiving treatment to help navigate the ADSTILADRIN® treatment journey with ease.

It is a simple, secure tool you can access on your phone, tablet, or computer—no downloads and no passwords to remember and it is easy to enroll.

By signing up, you can:

  • Receive text updates when your prescription is approved and ready and track various stages from cystoscopy to instillations
  • Get helpful reminders related to your treatment
  • Connect in real time with a live nurse navigator if you have questions or need support with appointments or other things
  • View easy-to-follow preparation instructions before and after treatment to understand what to expect

Signing up only takes a couple of minutes. To get started, visit https://stilpreserve.com.

Introduction to the BCAN Clinical Trials Dashboard and Ferring Trials

  1. Intravesical Nadofaragene Firadenovec Alone or in Combination With Chemotherapy or Immunotherapy in Participants With High-grade BCG Unresponsive Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
  1. Nadofaragene Firadenovec vs. Observation in Participants With Intermediate Risk Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
  1. Low-grade UTUC Treated With Nadofaragene Firadenovec Administered to Renal Pelvis

Ferring Access Support—Patient Assistance Program (PAP)

Ferring’s Patient Assistance Program offers patient assistance, coverage support, and other valuable resources for eligible uninsured/underinsured patients, including:

  • Referrals to third-party organizations including 501(c)(3) charities, patient support and education groups, and state health exchange resources
  • Help with scheduling appointments and staying on top of treatment
  • New and Updated! ADSTILADRIN Copay Program. Eligible, commercially insured patients may pay as little as $102 for each ADSTILADRIN prescription
  • If you are a physician and wish to e-enroll a patient into Ferring Access Support, please go to www.ferringaccesssupport.com

2. Available only for patients who meet eligibility requirements. Program does not cover the cost of administration, office visits, or any associated costs. Terms and conditions apply.

INDICATION

Adstiladrin is a prescription medicine for the treatment of adults with a type of cancer of the lining of the bladder called non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), that has not spread to other parts of the body, and that did not respond to treatment with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Who should not receive ADSTILADRIN?

Do not receive Adstiladrin if you have a sensitivity to interferon alfa or any of its components.

What is the most important information I should know about ADSTILADRIN?

Delaying removal of the bladder in patients with bladder cancer that is not responding to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy Carcinoma in situ (CIS) could lead to development of muscle-invasive or metastatic bladder cancer. The risk increases the longer bladder removal is delayed in the presence of persisting CIS.

Individuals who are immunosuppressed or immune-deficient should not prepare, administer, receive, or come into contact with ADSTILADRIN.

What are the possible side effects of Adstiladrin?

The most common side effects of ADSTILADRIN include: Urinary discharge, fatigue, bladder spasm, urgency to urinate, and blood in your urine. These are not all the possible side effects of ADSTILADRIN.

For more information, ask your healthcare provider.

What should I tell my healthcare provider?

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1- 800-FDA-1088.

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT ADSTILADRIN® (ad-STILL-uh-drin) (nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg) Suspension for Intravesical Use

This information is not comprehensive and there may be new information.

How to get more information:

  • Talk to your healthcare provider.
  •  Visit adstiladrin.com to obtain the FDA-approved product labeling.
  • Call 1-888-337-7464.

What is ADSTILADRIN used for?

ADSTILADRIN is a prescription medicine for adults for the treatment of a certain type of bladder cancer. You should not receive ADSTILADRIN if:

  • You have a sensitivity to interferon alfa or any of its components.

What is the most important information I should know about ADSTILADRIN?

Individuals who are immunosuppressed or immune-deficient should not prepare, administer, receive, or come into contact with ADSTILADRIN.

What other important information should I know about using ADSTILADRIN?

Delaying removal of the bladder in patients with carcinoma in situ (CIS) that is not responding to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy could lead to development of muscle-invasive or metastatic bladder cancer. The risk increases the longer bladder removal is delayed in the presence of persisting CIS.

Low levels of ADSTILADRIN may remain in your urine. Take these steps to prepare your toilet bowl after each treatment: Add about half a cup of bleach to the toilet bowl before you urinate. After urinating, wait 15 minutes before flushing the toilet. Repeat these steps every time you urinate for the first 2 days after treatment.

 For more information, call 1-888-337-7464 or talk with your healthcare provider.

What should I tell my healthcare provider?

Before taking ADSTILADRIN, tell your provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

Are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. Females who are able to get pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for 6 months following the last dose of ADSTILADRIN. Your healthcare provider may ask you to take a pregnancy test before you start treatment with ADSTILADRIN.

Males with female partners who can become pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment with ADSTILADRIN and for 3 months following the last dose of ADSTILADRIN.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What are the possible side effects of ADSTILADRIN?

The most common side effects of ADSTILADRIN include:               

  • instillation site discharge
  • urinary discharge
  • fatigue
  • bladder spasm
  • urgency or painful urination
  • blood in urine
  • chills
  • fever

The most common abnormal blood tests include:

  • increase in blood sugar
  • increase in triglycerides
  • increase in creatinine
  • decrease in phosphate

These side effects (above) are not all the possible side effects of ADSTILADRIN. For more information, ask your healthcare provider.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Ferring Pharmaceuticals at 1-888-337-7464.

Please see full Prescribing Information.