Research

As the flagship research center for Ferring, scientists at FRI are focused on the development of first-in-class therapeutic peptides and proteins in our key therapeutic areas: reproductive health, urology and gastroenterology.

With capabilities in peptide drug design, pharmacology, biochemistry and preclinical ADME, FRI is committed to development of a portfolio of novel, innovative peptide pharmaceuticals to address areas of high unmet medical need.

FRI’s peptide chemistry technology and expertise enables in-depth modification of virtually all peptide/hormone families. Our scientists are able to custom design peptide therapeutics with improved pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and pharmaceutical properties.

The resulting peptide drugs retain the core features and advantages of naturally-occurring peptides/hormones while overcoming their limitations.


In recent years, FRI researchers have developed seven new peptide products, termed new chemical entities (NCEs), which are now at various stages of development, either in-house or through collaborations with partners.

Today, Ferring has the largest portfolio of peptide therapeutics in the industry. The peptide NCEs discovered by FRI include:

  • FIRMAGON® (degarelix) a self-depoting GnRH receptor antagonist marketed for the treatment of prostate cancer
  • Selepressin, a selective V1a receptor agonist
  • FE 200665, a peripherally-selective kappa opioid receptor agonist licensed to Cara Therapeutics
  • FE 202845, a long-acting peripherally-selective kappa opioid receptor agonist licensed to Cara Therapeutics
  • FE 202767, a selective oxytocin receptor agonist