GAIA, a leader in evidence-based digital therapeutics, and Daiichi Sankyo Europe have announced an exclusive strategic partnership to commercialize lipodia upon regulatory approval. 

 

The innovative digital therapy is designed to support adults living with hypercholesterolemia, combining cutting-edge behavioural science with advanced cardiovascular care.

 

The collaboration unites GAIA’s expertise in clinically validated non-pharmacological interventions with Daiichi Sankyo’s experience in cardiovascular risk management. Both partners, members of the German Association of Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (vfa), aim to close a persistent gap in chronic care: harnessing digital technologies to drive sustainable, long-term behaviour change.

 

Under the deal, Daiichi Sankyo Europe secures exclusive rights for lipodia, marking a major step in expanding its cardiovascular portfolio into digital therapeutics. Germany will be the first launch market, with potential expansion across Europe. The partnership underscores the growing recognition that heart health requires integrated solutions—combining medication with evidence-based behavioural support.

 

Cardiovascular disease remains Europe’s leading cause of death, claiming over 10,000 lives every day. Yet, experts estimate that 80% of heart disease and stroke are preventable. Major risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and inactivity, with diet, alcohol, and stress further compounding risk. 

 

Lipodia, built on the latest behavioural health science and psychological techniques, dynamically adapts to individual patients through interactive dialogues and practical tools to help turn intention into sustained action. Fully automated and accessible on nearly any connected device, the therapy allows flexible, location-independent use.

 

“Digital therapeutics unlock a new dimension of cardiovascular care by addressing the behavioural and psychological factors that medication alone cannot solve,” said Dr Mario Weiss, CEO of GAIA. 

 

“With lipodia, we are translating more than two decades of scientific, technological, and therapeutic expertise into a scalable solution for one of the most widespread chronic conditions. Through our partnership with Daiichi Sankyo Europe, we are in the best position to integrate this evidence-based digital therapy into routine care in the near future, achieving the reach, scientific credibility, and impact that patients and physicians expect.”

 

“At Daiichi Sankyo, we care for every heartbeat. Our goal is to protect people from cardiovascular disease and help those who suffer from it, so they can enjoy every precious moment that life has to offer,” said Oliver Appelhans, Head of EU Specialty Business Unit, Daiichi Sankyo Europe. 

 

“Digital therapeutics represent an important next step in delivering holistic heart health. By partnering with GAIA, we are combining pharmaceutical excellence with evidence-based digital therapeutic innovation to support patients beyond our medicines. This collaboration reflects our patient-centric approach to develop new solutions that improve long-term outcomes.”

 

GAIA plans to submit lipodia for reimbursement as soon as pivotal phase 3 trial data are available. Once approved, the therapy would be covered by statutory health insurance under the DiGA pathway, enabling physicians to prescribe it as part of routine cardiovascular care in Germany—one of the largest healthcare markets in the world—dramatically reducing access barriers for patients.