DiGAs on the rise - Viatris and HiDoc with partnership

Viatris and HiDoc Technologies are collaborating to improve care for patients with irritable bowel syndrome. To this end, they are relying on "Cara Care for Irritable Bowel," the first approved digital health application for this therapeutic area.

Digital health startup HiDoc Technologies GmbH and pharmaceutical company Viatris are working together to commercialize the DiGA "Cara Care for Irritable Bowel." The goal is to improve care for the millions of people affected in Germany. The partnership is part of Viatris' strategy to focus on gastrointestinal diseases.

By entering into this partnership with Viatris, our know-how in the field of digital developments will be combined with the commercial expertise and infrastructure of Viatris in a targeted manner.

James Mapes, CEO HiDoc Technologies

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common intestinal disorder affecting approximately 11 million people in Germany. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence and bloating affect the quality of life of those affected. Although comprehensive therapy is recommended, only about 20% seek medical help.

Cara Care for Irritable Bowel is a digital health application (DiGA) that is approved as a medical device and available to sufferers of IBS. Accessible via a mobile app, the application provides personalized multimodal therapy based on nutritional and behavioral approaches, as well as gut-related hypnosis. The application is eligible for prescription and may be reimbursed by public and some private health insurers.

Digital health applications

Digital health applications (DiGAs) are on the rise in Germany. These digital medical devices support the detection and treatment of diseases or the individual implementation of treatment processes. For around three years, they have been fully prescribable and reimbursable for people with statutory health insurance, provided that the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) confirms a positive supply effect. The so-called apps on prescription have now become established in patient care in many places. Currently, 43 DiGAs are listed as reimbursable (DiGA) after successful testing. The Digital Care Act (DVG), which has been in force since December 2019, serves as the legal basis. An overview of approved DiGAs can be found in the directory of the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices.

About Vitaris

Viatris Inc. is a global healthcare company that aims to provide access to high-quality medicines and vaccines to people worldwide. The company was formed in November 2020 and has expertise in science, manufacturing and distribution to serve patients in over 165 countries. Its portfolio includes more than 1,400 molecules across a broad range of therapeutic areas, including non-communicable and infectious diseases, as well as first-in-class branded and generic products. The company has approximately 37,000 employees worldwide and is headquartered in the U.S., with global headquarters in Pittsburgh, Shanghai and Hyderabad. More information is available on its website and social media channels.

Viatris Group Germany consists of several companies: Viatris Healthcare GmbH, Viatris Pharma GmbH, Mylan Germany GmbH, and MEDA Pharma GmbH & Co. KG. The production facility of Madaus GmbH is located in Troisdorf and the Viatris Collaboration Hub Berlin completes the portfolio.