Viatris and Ubie Launch Disease Awareness Project to Support Early Detection and Proper Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Viatris Japan, a subsidiary of the global healthcare company Viatris Inc., and Ubie, a medical AI company, have launched a disease awareness project utilizing the medical AI partner 'Ubie' to promote awareness of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and support appropriate medical consultation for potential patients. GAD is characterized by chronic anxiety and worry, but patients often mistake these symptoms for personality traits, making it difficult to recognize as a medical condition. This project combines Viatris's expertise in GAD, including the approval of the first treatment drug in Japan, with Ubie's AI platform, which serves over 13 million monthly users, to reach potential patients who previously lacked access to accurate medical information. Both companies aim to enhance information provision and consultation support to ensure patients receive early and appropriate care, thereby improving quality of life and contributing to public health. GAD involves excessive, uncontrollable anxiety and worry regarding daily life. According to the WHO, the lifetime prevalence of GAD in Japan is 2.6%, suggesting that many patients remain undiagnosed. Furthermore, because GAD can manifest through physical symptoms, patients often visit internal medicine or orthopedic clinics, where the underlying GAD may be overlooked. On March 23, 2024, 'Efexor SR Capsules' was approved as the first treatment for GAD in Japan. Through this project, the Ubie AI will suggest the possibility of GAD based on symptoms and guide users to appropriate medical institutions.