Mahana gains permanent reimbursement in Germany for Cara Care IBS therapy

Mahana Therapeutics has secured permanent reimbursement in Germany for its digital therapeutic, Cara Care for IBS, following successful price negotiations with the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds (GKV-SV). This decision means that Cara Care for IBS is now widely accessible and can be prescribed and re-prescribed for 90 days to patients aged 18 to 70. The platform, listed in the DiGA-directory and approved by the Federal Institute for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices (BfArM), is designed to complement medical guidelines and can be used either as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with standard care therapies.

Cara Care for IBS employs a personalized algorithm to provide a comprehensive treatment plan that includes cognitive behavioral therapy, dietary therapy via the low-FODMAP diet, and gut-directed hypnosis. It is the only BfArM-approved DiGA that offers four recognized care effects: improvement in health status, quality of life, coping with illness-related difficulties, and health literacy. The digital therapeutic has demonstrated significant clinical efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and quality of life improvements, making it a valuable tool for the estimated 11 million IBS sufferers in Germany.

Simon Levy, CEO of Mahana Therapeutics, highlighted that the successful pricing negotiations with GKV-SV underscore the value and benefits that Cara Care for IBS brings to patients. The platform addresses the high unmet needs associated with irritable bowel syndrome, a common gastrointestinal disorder with no recognizable organic cause, which significantly impacts patients' quality of life. By integrating digital therapeutics into the healthcare system, Mahana aims to improve patient outcomes, treatment satisfaction, and overall quality of care while reducing the workload burden on healthcare providers.