Ferring acquires orthobiologic product candidates from BioSET

Ferring has announced the acquisition of the assets of BioSurface Engineering Technologies (BioSET), including a number of compounds designed to improve bone health.

The deal includes two phase III-ready orthobiologic product candidates, Amplex and Prefix, which are being investigated as treatments for fusion in the foot and ankle and lumbar spine surgical procedures, respectively.

Both products are based on a unique biomimetic peptide that enhances the body's own natural mechanisms of bone repair. In addition to these, the deal includes a library of rationally designed biomimetic peptides intended for applications in bone and tissue repair.

Orthopaedics are one of the five most important therapeutic areas in which Ferring operates. It has been active in this market since the 2005 launch of Euflexxa for the treatment for knee pain caused by osteoarthritis.

Michel Pettigrew, chief operating officer and president of Ferring's executive board, said: "By developing new orthobiologic products for joint fusion, we will expand and diversify our offering to include innovative solutions for orthopaedic surgery."

Earlier this month, Dr Pascal Danglas was promoted by Ferring to the role of chief medical officer, while Dr Per Falk joined the company as chief scientific officer. Both appointments are expected to strengthen its future growth prospects.