Emmaus Life Sciences Inc (OTCQX:EMMA) said it is collaborating with Steve Harvey Morning Show cast member Kier (Junior) Spates to share Spates’ personal experience using the company’s prescription L-glutamine oral powder Endari to treat his sickle cell disease (SCD) on the national radio show.
The company noted that SCD is endemic in the African American community yet it remains a significant unmet healthcare need for many reasons and, as a result, many leave the disease untreated which can lead to premature death among SCD patients when compared to the general population.
“Our collaboration with Mr Spates will help destigmatize SCD and inform 9 million weekly listeners to Mr Harvey’s popular show, including those with SCD, about Endari,” said Emmaus CEO Yutaka Niihara in a statement.
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“We admire and appreciate Mr Spates' courage in living with this disease and publicly sharing his experiences and would like to extend our public thanks to Mr Harvey and the show's producers for their cooperation."
Spates said he had been taking Endari since April and had found it beneficial in his treatment regime for SCD, with it resulting in fewer crises.
“After many conversations with Emmaus, I decided to become a consultant to the company because I understand firsthand how this disease devastates the Black community,” he said.
“I support and understand Emmaus' commitment to take a holistic approach to the treatment of sickle cell disease."
Emmaus Life Sciences is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company and leader in the treatment of SCD.
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