Former Quarterback Rodney Peete Joins Sumitomo’s Time to Go Campaign

Author(s):

The football player is speaking out about his experience living with and treating OAB.

Rodney and Holly Robinson Peete
Courtesy Sumitomo Pharma America

Former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Rodney Peete joined Sumitomo Pharma America’s Time to Go campaign.¹ The promotional campaign aims to reduce the stigma around discussing conditions like having an overactive bladder (OAB) so that people are able to seek treatment sooner. Peete’s wife, Holly Robinson Peete is already a member of the campaign.

Key Takeaway

Rodney Peete joined Sumitomo's Time to Go Campaign.
The Time to Go campaign promotes healthy conversations about the symptoms and treatment for OAB.
Peete's wife, Holly Robinson Peete, is already part of the campaign.

What are the treatments for OAB?

In a press release, Rodney Peete said, “As I got older, I started noticing I was making more frequent trips to the bathroom––I couldn't even make it through an inning of a baseball game. I convinced myself it was all part of aging. Through some prodding, and a whole lot of support, my wife Holly pointed out my symptoms and urged me to see a doctor. Her experience before discovering GEMTESA, a treatment option that has helped to manage her OAB symptoms, opened the door to have an honest conversation without embarrassment. That kind of support made all the difference––it turned something I was quietly dealing with into something we could manage together, with compassion, towards each other."

The campaign also promotes Sumitomo’s OAB treatment GEMTESA, which FDA approved for the treatment of OAB in men who are also receiving treatment for BPH.

In the same press release, Holly Robinson Peete said, “Since starting GEMTESA my symptoms have lessened, and I've been able to get back to doing things I love with fewer interruptions and less worry about the next bathroom break. My experience with OAB is what led me to recognize something was off with Rodney. I noticed changes in his habits, frequent bathrooms trips and delays before outings. I was happy to help Rodney get to the bottom of his symptoms. If there's one thing we've learned after 30 years of marriage, it's that open communication and support of your partner is paramount. I'm excited to be on this journey with him and have him join me in raising awareness for this chronic condition."

Alana Darden Powell, Sumitomo’s vice president of marketing added, “It's important we create a space where people feel supported and are empowered to speak openly about their symptoms and experiences with OAB. Rodney represents men everywhere who are impacted by OAB but might too embarrassed or scared to talk about it. It's our hope that by welcoming him as a Go-Getter alongside Holly, we can demonstrate the importance of communication and encourage everyone to seek help when help is needed."

People with OAB may experience:²

A sudden urge to urinate
Frequent urination, averaging more than eight times a day
Waking up more than twice to urinate during the night

In a press release issued in December when FDA approved GEMTESA for men with OAB who are being treated for BPH,³ Sumitomo’s president and CEO said, “Millions of patients suffer from OAB along with existing BPH. OAB is a urological condition that has limited treatment options to address their symptoms and impact on their social life. The FDA's expanded approval of GEMTESA is an important milestone for the men with unresolved symptoms of OAB while being treated for BPH, which underscores our urgency to deliver for those affected by conditions with unmet need."

In the same press release, Sumitomo’s chief development officer Yumi Sato also said, “The clinical data on once-daily vibegron demonstrated clear improvements in key OAB symptoms in patients also receiving pharmacological therapy for BPH, showcasing the potential of GEMTESA to offer patients a way to gain better control of their symptoms. With this FDA approval and launch of the first β3 agonist for men with OAB symptoms being pharmacologically treated for BPH, we have the potential to give men living with this disease a life with fewer interruptions due to their OAB symptoms."

Sources

Sumitomo Pharma America and Former Professional Quarterback Rodney Peete Say it's Time to Go™ and Put Yourself First with Overactive Bladder Treatment Option GEMTESA. Sumitomo Pharma America. June 30, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sumitomo-pharma-america-and-former-professional-quarterback-rodney-peete-say-its-time-to-go-and-put-yourself-first-with-overactive-bladder-treatment-option-gemtesa-302494429.html
Overactive bladder. Mayo Clinic. Accessed June 30, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/overactive-bladder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355715
Announces U.S. FDA Approval of GEMTESA® (vibegron) for Men with Overactive Bladder Symptoms Receiving Pharmacological Therapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Sumitomo Pharma America. December 23, 2024. Accessed June 30, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sumitomo-pharma-america-announces-us-fda-approval-of-gemtesa-vibegron-for-men-with-overactive-bladder-symptoms-receiving-pharmacological-therapy-for-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-302338114.html

Lead with insight with the Pharmaceutical Executive newsletter, featuring strategic analysis, leadership trends, and market intelligence for biopharma decision-makers.

Subscribe Now!