Viatris Global Health Initiatives: Advancing NCD Care, Mental Health, and Digital Therapeutics
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the world’s leading cause of death, creating an immense strain on individuals, healthcare systems, and economies. Every year, around 18 million people die prematurely—before reaching 70—from NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory conditions, and diabetes. Most of these deaths occur in low- and lower-middle-income nations.¹
Viatris’ extensive portfolio—spanning both established and innovative medicines—targets many of these health challenges, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, dermatologic conditions, and eye disorders. In 2024, Viatris advanced access to essential treatments through several global initiatives:
Viatris’ extensive portfolio—spanning both established and innovative medicines—targets many of these health challenges, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, dermatologic conditions, and eye disorders. In 2024, Viatris advanced access to essential treatments through several global initiatives:
- Global licensing collaboration: Viatris signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Lexicon Pharmaceuticals to distribute sotagliflozin outside the U.S. and Europe. This therapy, approved by the U.S. FDA, reduces cardiovascular death and hospitalizations in adults with heart failure or type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or other risk factors.
- U.S. launch: The company introduced RYZUMVI™ (phentolamine ophthalmic solution), the only FDA-approved eye drop available in the U.S. to reverse dilation caused by certain medications.
- China: Dymista was launched to enhance symptom relief for patients with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis.
- Europe: Viatris introduced Rizmoic (naldemedine tablets) in seven countries—an innovative treatment addressing opioid-induced constipation by targeting its underlying cause.
- Canada: The release of PrGlatiramer Acetate Injection 20 mg/mL, a generic version of Copaxone®, provided a new treatment option for people living with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
- Australia: Several therapies, including Relpax Migraine, Dymista Allergy, and Celebrex Relief, became available over the counter, broadening access to acute treatment options.
- Japan: The company launched Cystadrops Ophthalmic Solution 0.38% for cystinosis-related corneal deposits and Sugammadex IV injections to reverse muscle relaxation post-anesthesia.
- Global approvals: Elidel® was approved for use in infants aged three months and older across the EU, China, and additional Asian markets—offering safer eczema treatment for young children.
- India: Neurontin NT and Neurontin M expanded the range of pain management therapies.
- Philippines: Apixaban, a branded generic anticoagulant for stroke prevention and clot treatment, was launched.
- Brazil: Viatris introduced Zeforus (Relpax), the first eletriptan hydrobromide formulation for acute migraine relief.
“MS Canada estimates that approximately 90,000 Canadians live with multiple sclerosis—one of the highest prevalence rates globally. Because symptoms vary widely, access to a range of therapeutic options is essential,” Jeffrey L., Canada Country Manager, Viatris
Combating Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease remains the foremost contributor to NCD-related deaths worldwide.² Viatris is tackling this global challenge through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts, supported by an expansive portfolio and strategic collaborations.
Key 2024 initiatives included:
Combating Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease remains the foremost contributor to NCD-related deaths worldwide.² Viatris is tackling this global challenge through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts, supported by an expansive portfolio and strategic collaborations.
Key 2024 initiatives included:
- Developing four educational podcasts in Europe for healthcare professionals (HCPs) on diagnosing and managing thrombotic disorders, emphasizing anticoagulation monitoring, optimal treatment duration, and risk reduction in surgical settings.
- Launching ViaHeart (La Via del Cuore) in Italy, an omnichannel awareness campaign encouraging heart-healthy lifestyles and medication adherence.
- Hosting Egypt’s first Neuro Summit, addressing stroke management and its connections to hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.
- Supporting the World Heart Federation’s Cholesterol Roadmap Project in Türkiye to promote dyslipidemia awareness and treatment.
The partnership with Lexicon Pharmaceuticals for sotagliflozin further strengthened Viatris’ cardiovascular portfolio, broadening access to patients globally through its extensive infrastructure.
Addressing Hypertension
High blood pressure is a critical cardiovascular risk factor that increases the likelihood of heart disease, stroke, and other complications. Viatris’ 2024 efforts focused on raising awareness, educating healthcare providers, and enhancing treatment access:
Addressing Hypertension
High blood pressure is a critical cardiovascular risk factor that increases the likelihood of heart disease, stroke, and other complications. Viatris’ 2024 efforts focused on raising awareness, educating healthcare providers, and enhancing treatment access:
- Partnered with the Saudi Hypertension Management Society (SHMS) to train over 10,000 HCPs and support the “Everyday Count” campaign promoting hospital-based hypertension screening.
- Collaborated with the Philippine Society of Hypertension and a local government unit to educate and screen 300 patients.
- Contributed to the Chinese Hypertension Guideline (2024), supporting the development of the HOPE Asia Multidisciplinary Consensus on High-Quality Hypertension Management, expected to be released in 2025.
- Organized educational meetings across Türkiye, engaging more than 250 HCPs through the Global Hypercare Project on blood pressure variability (BPV) control.
- Worked with the Bulgarian Patients Forum to produce hypertension-focused health podcasts.
- Led Project Challenge: Hypertension and Dyslipidemia in Italy as part of a global “train-the-trainer” initiative.
- Developed a BPV advocacy plan across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, reaching over 10,000 HCPs.
Promoting Mental Health
Roughly one in eight people worldwide live with a mental health condition—most commonly anxiety or depression.³ Despite growing global awareness, barriers such as stigma, limited literacy, and inadequate services persist. Viatris continues to collaborate globally to improve mental health awareness, training, and access to care.
Awareness Initiatives
- Supported “Tear Away the Silence,” a UAE podcast series by mentl, reaching 5.5 million people.
- Partnered with Türkiye’s Association of Psychiatric Sciences and Research (PiBAD) for the Hayata Varım campaign to challenge stigma.
- Continued Brazil’s Yellow September Campaign, “Love Me, Love Myself,” alongside ABRATA.
- Backed Mexico’s “Words Matter” project to guide responsible mental health reporting in media.
Education and Policy Collaboration
- Supported the creation of evidence-based mental health care guidelines in Brazil, integrating training and continuous patient support in primary care.
- Signed an MoU with Egypt’s Ministry of Health to co-fund the Your Health is Happiness program under the national 100 Million Health initiative, aiming to screen 2 million people for mental health conditions and raise public awareness.
Research and Innovation
- Filed for approval of Effexor® in Japan for generalized anxiety disorder, supported by Phase 3 study data demonstrating safety and efficacy.
Creative Engagement
The Viatris Foundation in Spain hosted La Mente sobre el Lienzo (“Mind on Canvas”) at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, exploring how art can foster empathy and dialogue about mental health.
“Art can be a powerful medium for emotional expression, helping people living with mental health conditions feel seen, supported, and understood,” João M., President, Viatris Spain Foundation
Expanding Access Through Digital Health
Viatris is harnessing technology and digital therapeutics (DTx) to enhance patient care and access—particularly in underserved areas. DTx are evidence-based software interventions that help prevent, manage, or treat various conditions, often using AI and machine learning to personalize care.
In Europe, Viatris co-authored Adoption of Digital Therapeutics in Europe, a study assessing regulatory, reimbursement, and implementation challenges.
Additional digital initiatives included:
The Viatris Foundation in Spain hosted La Mente sobre el Lienzo (“Mind on Canvas”) at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, exploring how art can foster empathy and dialogue about mental health.
“Art can be a powerful medium for emotional expression, helping people living with mental health conditions feel seen, supported, and understood,” João M., President, Viatris Spain Foundation
Expanding Access Through Digital Health
Viatris is harnessing technology and digital therapeutics (DTx) to enhance patient care and access—particularly in underserved areas. DTx are evidence-based software interventions that help prevent, manage, or treat various conditions, often using AI and machine learning to personalize care.
In Europe, Viatris co-authored Adoption of Digital Therapeutics in Europe, a study assessing regulatory, reimbursement, and implementation challenges.
Additional digital initiatives included:
- WhatsApp Connect (WACR) in Malaysia, reaching nearly 2,000 HCPs with medical updates.
- Bliss DTx in France, a virtual reality solution to manage pain and anxiety.
- A three-year grant to Egypt’s Drug Authority supporting the DAWANA digital medication management tool.
- Partnerships in China with Meituan Pharmacy, JD Health, and Alibaba Health Pharmacy to enhance out-of-hospital care access.
- Participation in Gravitate Health, a transatlantic project developing digital tools like G-Lens for safe and informed medicine use.
- The Score Diabetes App in Vietnam to help doctors visualize cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients.
- A Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy App pilot in Thailand to support early screening and intervention.
Encouraging Responsible Medicine Use
Ensuring patients use medications safely and adhere to treatment plans is central to Viatris’ mission. The company provides digital tools—including websites, portals, and apps—to track symptoms, manage refills, and offer real-time insights for healthcare providers.
Across Europe, Viatris also supports individual dose dispensing systems to minimize medication errors and improve adherence, especially among older adults managing multiple prescriptions.
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