Licensing agreement for distribution of first sickle-cell treatment approved in 20 years
Endari (L-glutamine oral powder), a medication used to treat the acute complications associated with sickle cell anemia will be able to be received by more patients following this distribution agreement.
The medication is the first US Food and Drug Administration approved sickle cell treatment within the last 20 years. Endari is approved for use in adult and pediatric patients 5 years and older.
ASD Healthcare, McKesson Plasma & Biologics, and DMS Pharmaceutical group are already distributing the medication to patients in 36 states including Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Cardinal will be added into the network.
Yukata Niihara, CEO and chairman of Emmaus told us, “We are now able to expand the Endari distribution network to reach 100% of specialty pharmacies nationwide. Beyond the millions of patients accessed by these distribution networks, we also reach the three million active military personnel and 9.4 million beneficiaries through DMS Pharmaceutical Group.”
Since the expansion of distribution networks, Endari is now available at specialty pharmacies across the US.
Sickle cell complications
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disorder in which an individual’s red blood cells become rigid and altered in form to appear sickle-shaped. Individuals with sickle cell can suffer from sickle cell crises which occur when the red blood cells block blood vessels and cause the individual extreme pain.
Complications from sickle cell disease include: Stroke, acute chest syndrome, pulmonary hypertension, organ damage, blindness, leg ulcers, and gallstones among other things. Endari aims to alleviate these complications.
