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® 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).

What is ADSTILADRIN® (nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg)?

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.

Please see full Prescribing Information.

Scott’s Story: Choosing Optimism Every Step of the Way

When Scott moved from Wisconsin to Florida in October 2022, he and his wife, Pam, were looking forward to enjoying retirement together. They had built a life centered on family, friendship, and making the most of every moment. As a lifelong salesman, Scott had always enjoyed being around people and forming meaningful connections. Whether he was golfing, fishing on Lake Winnebago, cheering on his favorite sports teams, or spending time with family, he believed in creating happiness wherever he went.

Today, at nearly 81 years old, Scott and Pam remain focused on what matters most to them: family. Between their six grandchildren, a growing number of spouses joining the family, and a new great-grandchild on the way, they have plenty to celebrate.

But a few months after arriving in Florida, Scott’s life took an unexpected turn.

An Alarming Symptom

In late 2022, Scott began noticing blood in his urine. At first, he kept it to himself. After a couple of months, as the bleeding worsened, he knew it was time to seek medical attention and went to the emergency room.

The message from doctors was clear: find a urologist immediately.

Scott contacted his physician back in Wisconsin, who urged him to return right away. A tumor was removed, and testing confirmed the diagnosis of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). He underwent treatment with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG); however, his cancer returned.

Doctors recommended removing his bladder through a procedure known as a cystectomy. Wanting to explore every possible option, Scott sought a second opinion with a urologist in Florida as quickly as possible.

That’s when Scott and Pam connected with Dr. John Lynam with Advanced Urology Institute.

“It was actually his first day on the job when we called,” Scott recalled.

What began as a new patient-doctor relationship quickly grew into a trusted partnership.

“At first we weren’t good friends, but we got to be,” Scott remembers.

Facing Another Challenge

For many people, a cancer diagnosis is the most difficult challenge they have ever faced. For Scott, it was another obstacle in a lifetime of overcoming them.

As a child, he underwent brain surgery for cancer. Over the years, he faced multiple serious health complications and countless medical procedures. Through it all, he developed a mindset that has guided him for decades.

Having persevered through significant medical setbacks throughout his life, Scott approached this diagnosis with optimism and resolve. “Let’s have at it.”

That outlook helped him approach his bladder cancer treatment with determination rather than fear.

Finding the Right Option

As Scott discussed next steps with Dr. Lynam, one option on the table was a radical cystectomy, surgery to remove the bladder. Scott wasn’t ready to make that decision.

Around that time, Dr. Lynam shared information about a treatment approach that could help him preserve his bladder, ADSTILADRIN® (nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg). 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)1. Do not receive ADSTILADRIN if you have a sensitivity to interferon alfa or any of its components1.

Please see Important Safety Information above.

After discussing the treatment and what to expect, Scott felt confident it was the right path for him. The ADSTILADRIN dosing schedule, which required visits only every three months2, fit well into his life and allowed him to keep his focus on the things he enjoyed most — time with Pam, his family, and his favorite pastimes.

Just as importantly, Scott felt reassured by his experience with treatment. The dosing schedule fit well into his life, and he did not experience the bleeding or side effects of NMIBC that he had feared. Together, those factors gave him and Pam confidence that they had made the right decision and helped them focus on the moments that mattered most rather than the logistics of care.

“It couldn’t be any better,” Scott said.

The Power of a Strong Care Team

Throughout his treatment journey, Scott credits his healthcare team for helping him stay positive.

“Dr. Lynam and all the nurses made all the difference,” he said. “I knew I was in good hands.”

For someone who has worked with people his entire life, trust and relationships matter. Having a care team that listened, answered questions, and provided reassurance gave Scott confidence as he moved forward with treatment.

Scott is also quick to credit his wife, Pam; they have been a true team. From the moment they received the diagnosis, they faced every decision together, leaning on each other through appointments, treatments, and moments of uncertainty.

Looking Ahead

Today, Scott continues to focus on the things that bring him joy: spending time with Pam, following sports, golfing, and celebrating milestones with his growing family.

When asked what he would tell someone who has just been diagnosed with bladder cancer, his message is simple. He encourages patients to learn about their options, talk with their doctors, and stay hopeful.

Pam shares a similar perspective. “It’s not a death sentence,” she said. “There are a lot of options, and people need to stay positive.”

For Scott, positivity isn’t about ignoring challenges. It’s about facing them head-on, trusting the people around you, and continuing to look ahead to the moments that matter most.

With another grandchild’s wedding on the horizon and a new great-granddaughter to meet in October, Scott has plenty of reasons to keep doing exactly that.

1 ADSTILADRIN. Consumer Indication. Ferring Pharmaceuticals. 2025. Available at:
ADSTILADRIN® (nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg) | NMIBC Treatment
2 ADSTILADRIN. Prescribing Information. Ferring Pharmaceuticals. 2026. Available at: ADSTILADRIN-USPI-Mar.2026. Accessed July 2026.

Podcast

Bladder Cancer Matters host Rick Bangs sits down with Todd Davey of Ferring Pharmaceuticals.

INTRODUCTION TO STIL preSERVE: If you are an ADSTILADRIN®  patient, you have support at your fingertips!

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 Ferring Clinical Trials on the BCAN Dashboard

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.

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 

fatigue    

urgency or painful urination blood in urine

bladder spasm     

urinary discharge

bladder spasm

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.