Emmaus has entered into a distribution agreement with McKesson Plasma and Biologics LLC, a division of McKesson Corporation. The agreement makes Endari (L-glutamine oral powder), indicated to reduce the acute complications of sickle cell disease in adult and pediatric patients five years of age and older, available nationwide to pharmacies that utilize McKesson as their primary and exclusive distributor. McKesson is the largest healthcare distribution company in the world.

Since launching Endari, the first U.S. FDA approved sickle cell treatment in 20 years, Emmaus has brought this therapy to patients in over 30 states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico. In addition to the distributors already in place, this agreement with McKesson will further broaden Endari’s distribution, with the potential to reach many more patients suffering from the acute complications associated with sickle cell disease such as pain and frequent hospitalizations.

“As the demand for Endari continues to increase, we seek to build our distribution network to ensure that we reach patients in need,” said Yutaka Niihara, MD, MPH, CEO, and chairman of Emmaus. “Teaming up with a premier distributor like McKesson not only expands our reach but also lends support in establishing Endari as an important treatment option for clinicians fighting this terrible disease.”

(Source: Emmaus Life Sciences, Inc.)