Holly Robinson Peete Extends Partnership with Sumitomo Pharma for Time To Go Campaign

Sumitomo Pharma America

Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) is continuing its campaign with actress Holly Robinson Peete which encourages people with overactive bladders (OAB) to be comfortable discussing their conditions.¹ The hope is that by making conversations about the condition easier, people suffering from it will feel more empowered to go seek treatment as well.

The Time to Go campaign, which is beginning its third year, is part of the company’s promotion of Gemtesa, a treatment for OAB.

In a press release, Peete, who suffers from OAB, said, “I'm excited to continue this partnership with SMPA to encourage people with OAB to take action. I'm now into my third year of treatment with Gemtesa. Since starting treatment and remaining consistent with my regimen, I have seen a reduction in my OAB symptoms. The impact Gemtesa has had on my OAB symptoms is my motivation to continue treatment and inspire others to do the same, so they too can enjoy activities they love with less running to the bathroom."

Alana Darden Powelll, vice president of marketing for urology at SMPA, added, “Hearing from others who have similar experiences can be comforting for those who may feel like they are alone in their journey with OAB. Holly has been an influential partner and advocate, helping us shed light on the impact of OAB and encouraging patients to seek treatment. This year Holly, along with our Go-Getter ambassadors, continues to break down the stigma associated with the condition and underscore how treatment with Gemtesa may help people alleviate OAB symptoms and help people get back to doing more of what they love with less worrying about their condition."

This is the third year of the campaign, which Robinson has been a part of since its beginning. The campaign was first extended last November.² In a press release issued at the time, Peete explained, “For years, OAB symptoms kept me from fully enjoying the things I love. Talking to my girlfriends about my symptoms helped me realize I wasn't alone, and that seeking help isn't a sign of weakness, rather it's a step towards taking control.

She continued, “They gave me the confidence to talk to my doctor, who prescribed Gemtesa—and now, a year later, the treatment has helped manage my OAB symptoms so I can enjoy activities with less running to the bathroom. That's why I'm thrilled to continue my partnership with SMPA to educate and empower others to address their OAB."

In the same press release, senior vice president and head of the urology franchise at SMPA Walt Johnson said, “Holly is an influential advocate and voice within the OAB community who is helping break the stigma associated with the condition, and we're excited to continue this important work with her. With the addition of our GEMTESA Go-Getters program, our new ambassadors will join Holly in our mission to create a platform that helps those living with this frustrating condition to feel heard and supported. There is no shame in speaking up about OAB, talking to your doctor, and asking for the help you deserve."

Sources

1. Sumitomo Pharma America and Actor Holly Robinson Peete Encourage People with Overactive Bladder to Speak Up and Seek Treatment. Sumitomo Pharma. December 3, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sumitomo-pharma-america-and-actor-holly-robinson-peete-encourage-people-with-overactive-bladder-to-speak-up-and-seek-treatment-302319694.html
2. Sumitomo Pharma America and Actress Holly Robinson Peete Extend Time To Go™ Campaign to Empower People with Overactive Bladder. Sumitomo Pharma America. November 21, 2023. Accessed December 9, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sumitomo-pharma-america-and-actress-holly-robinson-peete-extend-time-to-go-campaign-to-empower-people-with-overactive-bladder-301994619.html