PRINCETON, N.J. — Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) announced the launch of the COBENFY Connections initiative, a national awareness campaign created in partnership with culinary expert, television host, and author Gail Simmons. Timed to coincide with World Mental Health Day, the initiative seeks to challenge stigma surrounding schizophrenia and highlight the importance of support, connection, and open dialogue.
The campaign features real stories from adults living with schizophrenia who are taking COBENFY (xanomeline and trospium chloride), along with their care partners and a psychiatrist. Simmons contributes her personal perspective through the story of her brother, Alan, who lives with schizophrenia. By sharing her family’s experience, Simmons encourages others to speak openly about their journeys and to recognize how connection and community can help those living with schizophrenia feel seen, supported, and empowered to pursue the right treatment.
Known for her ability to bring people together around the table, Simmons recently hosted an intimate conversation with individuals living with schizophrenia, their care partners, and a psychiatrist. The discussion offered a safe, open space to talk about the realities of living with schizophrenia and the impact of finding effective treatment options.
“My older brother’s diagnosis with schizophrenia affected my family in so many ways, and we struggled to find the right medicines and resources,” said Simmons. “Hearing others share their experiences was an inspiring reminder of the power of community. Through COBENFY Connections, I hope to empower others to open up and explore what’s possible with the right support and treatment.”
The initiative also shares the experiences of Avary and Chanel, both adults living with schizophrenia who are taking COBENFY, along with insights from their care partners. COBENFY is an oral prescription medication approved for the treatment of adults with schizophrenia; its safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.
“We often take sitting at the table with loved ones for granted. Partnering with Gail let us create a space where people living with schizophrenia and their families could connect and share their experiences,” said Carlos Dortrait, Senior Vice President of Neuroscience Commercialization at Bristol Myers Squibb. “Our goal is simple: to create more spaces where experiences are shared, courage is celebrated, and stories like those of Chanel and Avary bring hope—showing how connection, community, and the right treatment can make a difference.”
Through COBENFY Connections, Bristol Myers Squibb and Simmons aim to promote empathy, reduce stigma, and highlight the importance of accessible, individualized care for people affected by schizophrenia.
