Football Legend John Elway Reveals He has Dupuytren’s Contracture and Wants Others to Get the “Facts on Hand”
- Elway joins campaign aimed at encouraging those who think they may have Dupuytren’s contracture to seek a diagnosis from a hand specialist and ask about treatments, including nonsurgical options
- The common yet little-known hand condition affects nearly the same number of American adults diagnosed with major depression
DUBLIN and MALVERN, Pa., August 22, 2019 – Hall of Fame Quarterback John Elway is teaming up with Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc. to raise awareness of a common yet little-known hand condition called Dupuytren’s contracture and available treatment options. John has Dupuytren's contracture in both of his hands and he is now sharing his story as part of a national education campaign called Facts on Hand. The campaign aims to educate Americans and to support the Dupuytren’s contracture community by helping them become more informed about the condition and feel empowered to talk with a hand specialist about all treatments, including nonsurgical options.
Dupuytren’s contracture is a progressive hand condition that affects an estimated 16 million Americans. It is characterized by a buildup of collagen underneath the skin on the palms of the hand, causing one or more fingers to move into a bent position so they cannot be straightened. Because the condition can progress slowly, people may not pay attention to it until they can no longer straighten their fingers, complicating everyday activities – from writing one’s name to shaking hands.
“My hands are everything to me, but when I was diagnosed with Dupuytren’s contracture nearly 15 years ago, I waited to get treatment because I assumed surgery was my only option,” said Elway. “I’ve joined the Facts on Hand campaign not only to raise awareness about Dupuytren’s contracture by sharing my story, but to spread the word about available treatments. Some people also mistakenly believe that surgery is their only option – but that may not be true. That’s why it’s so important to have a conversation with a hand specialist.”
Links
Facts on Hand Website Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc. WebsiteDownload Materials
John Elway BioMedia Contacts
Media:
Heather Zoumas-Lubeski
(484) 216-6829
Investors:
Pravesh Khandelwal
(845) 364-4861
Dupuytren’s contracture can be mistaken for other conditions such as arthritis or trigger finger. Prior to the formation of a contracture, individuals may start to notice symptoms through the development of a lump or nodule on the palm. The condition most commonly impacts the ring and pinky finger and can occur in one or both hands.
“There is still so little awareness about Dupuytren’s contracture, even among doctors,” said Damon Adamany, MD, board-certified specialist in hand and upper extremity surgery at The CORE Institute. “It’s important that those experiencing the condition know their treatment options. Surgery is not the only option, and patients should work together with their hand specialist to determine the best approach for their lifestyle, whether they’re a football star or a weekend warrior.”
Typically, men are affected by Dupuytren’s contracture more often than women. The condition usually appears later in life in people over age 40, although it may occur in people who are in their early 20s. The cause of Dupuytren’s contracture is unknown. The condition can run in families, especially those of Northern European descent.
“At Endo, we have a longstanding commitment to educating consumers about Dupuytren’s contracture,” said Patrick Barry, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, U.S. Branded Pharmaceuticals at Endo. “As we continue to further our Facts on Hand initiative, we’re hoping to shed more light on this condition and improve the lives of the patients we serve.”
For more information, visit www.FactsOnHand.com.
About Endo International plc
Endo International plc (NASDAQ: ENDP) is a highly focused generics and specialty branded pharmaceutical company delivering quality medicines to patients in need through excellence in development, manufacturing and commercialization. Endo has global headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, and U.S. headquarters in Malvern, PA. Learn more at www.endo.com.
About Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc., headquartered in Malvern, PA, develops and markets high-value, quality branded pharmaceutical products for patients in need. Endo Pharmaceuticals’ specialty portfolio includes products for urology, men’s health, orthopedics and endocrinology, with product development underway in medical aesthetics. Endo Pharmaceuticals is an operating company of Endo International plc. Learn more at www.endo.com or www.endopharma.com.
Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Canadian securities legislation, including, but not limited to, statements by Messrs. Elway and Barry and Dr. Adamany. Statements including words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plan,” “will,” “may,” “look forward,” “intend,” “guidance,” “future” or similar expressions are forward-looking statements. Because these statements reflect our current views, expectations and beliefs concerning future events, these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Although Endo believes that these forward-looking statements and information are based upon reasonable assumptions and expectations, readers should not place undue reliance on them, or any other forward looking statements or information in this press release. Investors should note that many factors, as more fully described in the documents filed by Endo with securities regulators in the United States and Canada including under the caption “Risk Factors” in Endo’s Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K filings, as applicable, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and with securities regulators in Canada on System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (“SEDAR”) and as otherwise enumerated herein or therein, could affect Endo’s future financial results and could cause Endo’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release are qualified by these risk factors. Endo assumes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities law.