Ferring Pharma Holds Media Seminar on Bladder Cancer Awareness Following Approval of "Edistride® Intravesical Solution" as a New Treatment Option Aiming for Bladder Preservation

Ferring Pharma held a media seminar on June 16, 2026, to discuss the clinical data and mechanism of action of Edistride® Intravesical Solution, which received approval in May 2026 as Japan's first gene therapy product aimed at preserving the bladder, marking a new era in bladder cancer treatment after approximately 30 years.

Despite a roughly 3.5-fold increase in domestic incidence and a 4-fold increase in deaths over the past 30 years due to an aging population [Cancer Information Service Bladder Cancer Statistics], there were no patient support groups specifically for bladder cancer until November 2025, leaving patients without a platform to connect. Since the establishment of the patient group, approximately 120 individuals have joined as members in about six months, indicating a shift in the communication environment for patients.

At the media seminar, discussions were held on the importance of a platform for patients to share information about treatments and the physical and mental burdens associated with them during this transitional period in treatment, as well as the expectations of physicians towards patient support groups.

[Tokyo, July 8, 2026] – Ferring Pharma Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: John Pulver; hereinafter referred to as "Ferring Pharma") held a media seminar on June 16, 2026, to discuss the clinical data and mechanism of action of Edistride® Intravesical Solution in the new phase of bladder cancer treatment, and to discuss the significance and role of patient support groups.

Bladder Cancer Treatment Moves Forward for the First Time in Approximately 30 Years

In May 2026, "Edistride® Intravesical Solution (Nadofaragene firadenovec)" obtained manufacturing and marketing approval as Japan's first gene therapy product aimed at bladder preservation, for the indication of "high-risk muscle-invasive bladder cancer with carcinoma in situ that has persisted or recurred after BCG intravesical instillation therapy, provided that the patient is not eligible for reintroduction of BCG intravesical instillation therapy."

For bladder cancer that has not invaded the muscle layer of the bladder, BCG intravesical instillation therapy has been one of the standard treatments to prevent recurrence and progression. However, even with BCG intravesical instillation therapy, approximately 8-42% of patients reportedly recur within 12 months depending on their risk classification [Fernández-Gómez J, et al. J Urol. 2009]. Furthermore, when BCG unresponsiveness is determined, meaning early recurrence or persistent lesions despite adequate BCG treatment, the next treatment option becomes crucial [Passarelli R, Packiam VT]. For such patients, there has been no approved drug aimed at bladder preservation, and radical cystectomy has been the standard treatment option. A web survey conducted by Ferring Pharma in 2025 targeting 200 bladder cancer patients revealed that 97% of patients wished to avoid a cystectomy [https://www.boukougan.jp/patient-survey/], indicating a significant unmet medical need. The "Edistride® Intravesical Solution" can now serve as one of the treatment options for patients who wish to preserve their bladder.

Furthermore, this product is the first gene therapy product in the field of urology and utilizes a non-replicating adenoviral vector. By instilling this product into the bladder, the vector is introduced into the bladder cells, which then continuously express interferon-α2b within the bladder, thereby enhancing the local immune response. The aforementioned survey also revealed that approximately 70% of patients felt some burden from BCG intravesical instillation therapy, which requires multiple sessions of weekly hospital visits and treatment [https://www.boukougan.jp/patient-survey/]. The dosage and administration of this product is intravesical administration once every three months.

Establishment of a Bladder Cancer Patient Community

Against the backdrop of an aging population, the domestic incidence of bladder cancer has increased approximately 3.5-fold and deaths approximately 4-fold over the past 30 years [Cancer Information Service Bladder Cancer Statistics]. However, for a long time, there was no patient support group specifically for bladder cancer. The lack of patient groups and places for patients to connect meant that, as indicated by the Ferring Pharma web survey, 57% of respondents reported "not receiving sufficient information."

Amidst the growing need for a place for patients to share experiences and information, a bladder cancer patient group was established on November 22, 2025, by Representative Yurio Nomura and Deputy Representative Junichiro Sano. In approximately six months since its establishment, about 120 people have joined as members, and over 10 physicians have become ambassadors, forming a new community. (Membership numbers and ambassador physician numbers are based on the Bladder Cancer Patient Group's own surveys.) Notably, while the proportion of men with bladder cancer is about three times that of women [Cancer Information Service Bladder Cancer Statistics], the current patient group membership is 60% male and 40% female, suggesting a high demand for such information-sharing platforms, particularly among women. Discussions have already taken place with online patient groups and overseas patient organizations, and future plans include online patient group meetings, local salons in each prefecture, and aiming for deep collaboration with the Japanese Urological Association in the future.

Seminar Content

At the seminar, Mr. Yurio Nomura, Representative of the Bladder Cancer Patient Group, and Mr. Junichiro Sano, Deputy Representative, presented. Ms. Naomi Sakurai, who experienced breast cancer and founded a patient group, served as the facilitator, discussing the background of the patient group's establishment, her own treatment, and the significance of treatment innovation.

Mr. Yurio Nomura

Representative Nomura has experienced bladder cancer as well as lung cancer and also serves as the representative of a lung cancer patient group. Regarding the background of establishing the bladder cancer patient group, he stated, "When my lung cancer recurred and I was diagnosed with bladder cancer the year before last, I felt lonely because there was no patient group for bladder cancer despite the difficult treatment. Compared to lung cancer, where patient groups are active and helpful to patients, I questioned the absence of any patient group for bladder cancer, which led to its establishment."

Mr. Junichiro Sano

Mr. Sano also commented, "It is said that many men do not disclose their cancer diagnosis to their workplace or family. I made many friends through other patient clubs, and we are still in touch, so I wanted to create a similar space."

Regarding his own treatment and the current treatment transition, Mr. Nomura expressed the patient group's expectations for the expansion of treatment options.

Ms. Naomi Sakurai

Finally, regarding the role of patient groups in these treatment changes, Mr. Nomura stated, "It is significant that a place has been created where patients can share their worries and receive empathy." Professor Hiroyuki Nishiyama of the Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, also shared his expectations from a physician's perspective, saying, "As an advisor physician for the patient group, I can help patients gain better access to scientifically accurate information."

Professor Hiroyuki Nishiyama

Professor Nishiyama gave a lecture on the unmet needs in muscle-invasive bladder cancer unresponsive to BCG and the clinical outcomes of Edistride® both domestically and internationally. Dr. Eiji Kikuchi, Chief Professor of Urology at St. Marianna University School of Medicine, lectured on the mechanism of action of Edistride®. Professor Nishiyama stated, "Even when cystectomy is recommended due to BCG unresponsiveness, we can now offer Edistride® as an option to patients who wish to preserve their bladder." Dr. Kikuchi commented, "The key factors supporting this treatment are the removal of the barrier by Syn3NODA, the safety of the non-replicating, non-integrating vector, sustained interferon production, and the administration frequency of once every three months."

Dr. Eiji Kikuchi

At the end of the seminar, John Pulver, President and CEO of Ferring Pharma Co., Ltd., concluded, "Through the discussions at this seminar, we have had an opportunity to share our understanding of the challenges faced by patients and the importance of expanding treatment options. Ferring will continue to drive innovation with a focus on both patient and medical perspectives, contributing to the advancement of awareness and treatment. Collaboration among stakeholders is essential for improving the field of bladder cancer, and we will work to generate further evidence and enhance information on appropriate use in Japan."

John Pulver

Seminar Overview

Date and Time: Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 16:15 - 17:30

Venue: TKP Tokyo Station Conference Center

(1-8-16 Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Shinmachi Building 1F)

Program:

Part 1: Presentations by the Representative and Deputy Representative of the Bladder Cancer Patient Group

: Announcement of the establishment of the Bladder Cancer Patient Group and future activities

: Significance of the emergence of a new drug for bladder cancer patients and patient groups

Mr. Yurio Nomura (Representative, Bladder Cancer Patient Group)

Mr. Junichiro Sano (Deputy Representative, Bladder Cancer Patient Group)

Facilitator: Ms. Naomi Sakurai (Representative Director, CSR Project General Incorporated Association)

*Patients will be asked to leave the room after Part 1.

Part 2: Lecture:

Unmet Needs in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Unresponsive to BCG and Clinical Outcomes of Edistride®

Dr. Hiroyuki Nishiyama (Professor, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba)

Part 3: Lecture:

What is Edistride®? - Delving into the essence of Edistride® -

Dr. Eiji Kikuchi (Chief Professor, Department of Urology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine)

【Speaker Biographies】

Dr. Hiroyuki Nishiyama Professor, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba

<Career>

1989: Resident, Kyoto University Hospital

1990: Physician, Osaka Red Cross Hospital

1998: Researcher, Imperial Cancer Research Fund (UK)

2000: Assistant, Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University

2005: Lecturer, Department of Organ Surgery (Urology), Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University

2009: Associate Professor, Department of Organ Surgery (Urology), Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University

2011: Department of Urological Science and Andrology, Division of Disease Control and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba

Professor of Urology

2012: Professor, Education Division, Center for Integrated Research in Medical Science, University of Tsukuba

2011: Professor of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba

2018: Vice Director, University of Tsukuba Hospital

2018: Director, Tsukuba Human Tissue Biobank Center

Dr. Eiji Kikuchi Chief Professor, Department of Urology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine

<Career>

1994: Graduated from Keio University School of Medicine

Resident (Urology), Keio University School of Medicine

1995: Seconded to Kitazato Research Institute Hospital, Surgery Department

1996: Assistant (Specialist Trainee) (Urology), Keio University School of Medicine

Assistant (Urology), Keio University School of Medicine

1997: Seconded to National Tochigi Hospital

1998: Assistant (Urology), Keio University School of Medicine

1999: Seconded to Tokyo Metropolitan National Health Insurance Federation Minamitama Hospital

2000: Assistant (Urology), Keio University School of Medicine

2001: Studied abroad at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, USA

2003: Assistant (Urology), Keio University School of Medicine

2004: Seconded to Fussa City Hospital

2004: Obtained PhD (Medicine)

2005: Assistant (Urology), Keio University School of Medicine

2009: Full-time Lecturer (Urology), Keio University School of Medicine

2017: Associate Professor (Urology), Keio University School of Medicine

2019: Professor, Department of Urology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine

2022: Chief Professor, Department of Urology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine (Name Change)

Mr. Yurio Nomura Representative, Bladder Cancer Patient Group

<Career>

Representative, "One Step Shachihoko" (Lung Cancer Patient Group)

Representative, Bladder Cancer Patient Group (Patient Association of Bladder Cancer)

After majoring in mechanical engineering at university, worked as an engineer for domestic and international automotive parts manufacturers. Diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016 and established "One Step Shachihoko" targeting the Chubu region in 2017. Engaged in activities in collaboration with the Chubu Respiratory Clinical Research Organization and cancer centers. In the spring of 2024, was diagnosed with bladder cancer concurrently with a recurrence of lung cancer. Based on his experience of struggling with treatment choices and prioritization, he established the nationwide "Bladder Cancer Patient Group."

Mr. Junichiro Sano Deputy Representative, Bladder Cancer Patient Group

<Career>

Born in Hokkaido. Taught at Soka University (correspondence course), Tokyo Woman's Christian University, Nihon University, Bunkyo University, and others. Currently a lecturer at Pacific Rim University. Presides over "Otoko Saba Talk," an online talk session for male cancer survivors. In 2024, his wife, Keiko Sano, passed away from ovarian cancer. He walked at Relay For Life venues nationwide with her posthumous book, "The Head Nurse Who Got Cancer: Living While Facing Illness." Chairman of the English and American Literature Society.

Ms. Naomi Sakurai Director, National Association of Patients with Cancer and their Families

<Career>

After studying urban planning at university, worked for a consulting firm in areas such as community development, environmental education, emissions trading, and cost-effectiveness. After being diagnosed with cancer, she began supporting patients and their families and continues to do so. Representative Director of CSR Project General Incorporated Association. President and CEO of Cancer Solutions. Registered Professional Engineer (Construction), Certified Social Worker, Certified Psychiatric Social Worker, Industrial Counselor.

▽About Ferring Global (hereinafter "Ferring")

Ferring Pharmaceuticals is a research-driven, unlisted specialty biopharmaceutical company dedicated to helping people around the world build families and live better lives. As a leading company in reproductive medicine and maternal health, Ferring also has a strong track record in gastroenterology and urology and is at the forefront of innovation in gene therapy for urological cancers. Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Saint-Prex, Switzerland, Ferring currently provides medicines in over 100 countries and employs more than 7,500 people.

For more information, please visit www.ferring.com or follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

▽About Ferring Pharma Co., Ltd.

Ferring Pharma Co., Ltd. was established in February 2001 as a subsidiary of Ferring and is headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo.

Ferring Pharma operates a patient information website (https://boukougan.jp/) that includes information on non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer and muscle-invasive bladder cancer.