PR Team at Ubie, Inc.
Ubie, Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Co-CEOs: Yoshinori Abe and Kota Kubo, hereinafter "Ubie") and Pfizer Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Akihisa Harada, hereinafter "Pfizer") have been collaborating since October 2021 to connect patients in Japan with healthcare providers. This partnership revolves around Ubie's Ubie AI Symptom Checker and Pfizer's disease awareness website "UUI Consultation Room," focusing on aiding individuals with Urgency Urinary Incontinence (UUI) and Overactive Bladder (OAB) symptoms. This initiative has successfully linked approximately 17,000 Japanese patients to healthcare providers.
Studies show that OAB-related diseases are commonly found in the elderly [1]. About half of the users reporting OAB-related symptoms on Ubie's platform are seniors over 60, demonstrating the significant impact of this internet-based initiative on early healthcare provider visits for elderly OAB patients in Japan. Both Ubie and Pfizer are committed to continuing their efforts to improve the quality of life (QOL) for all OAB patients.
Challenges of OAB Symptoms and Low Consultation Rates Among Women:
OAB is a syndrome marked by an urgent need to urinate, with UUI being a component characterized by sudden, uncontrollable urges leading to involuntary leakage. According to a 2003 epidemiological survey by the Japanese Society of Voiding Function [2], there are approximately 10.4 million OAB patients in Japan, aged 40 and above. This survey also underscores the reluctance of patients to discuss urinary symptoms with doctors. The consultation rate for OAB symptoms is just 22.7% (36.4% for men and 7.7% for women), with the prevalence increasing among the elderly – 83.1% of those on OAB medication are over 65 years old [3].
Integration of Ubie AI Symptom Checker and "UUI Consultation Room":
Ubie offers the Ubie AI Symptom Checker, which allows users in Japan to identify suitable healthcare providers for their symptoms using smartphones or PCs. Pfizer's "UUI Consultation Room" provides valuable information to individuals and families dealing with UUI and OAB. This partnership aims to address the challenges faced by OAB patients, offering comprehensive resources and guidance.
About Pfizer's UUI Consultation Room:
Pfizer's website offers extensive information about OAB symptoms, their causes, management strategies, and insights from patients and doctors about clinic visits and treatment processes.
About Pfizer:
Creating Breakthroughs that Change Patients' Lives Pfizer utilizes science and global resources to develop treatments that enhance health and longevity. Committed to healthcare innovation, Pfizer works with various stakeholders to ensure accessible and effective healthcare solutions. Visit www.pfizer.com for more information.
About Ubie's AI Symptom Checker:
Japanese Version: https://ubie.app
English Version: https://ubiehealth.com/
Ubie's service enables users to easily access healthcare information and find appropriate healthcare providers. Available in both Japanese and English, it supports users in identifying symptoms and connecting with the right healthcare providers.
About Ubie, Inc.:
"To Develop a Healthcare Guide for Everyone through Technology"
Founded in May 2017, Ubie is a health-tech startup that employs AI technology to guide individuals to the appropriate medical care. Ubie is dedicated to creating a society where accessible healthcare is a reality for everyone.
Location: Fukushima Building 6th Floor, 1-5-3 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0022
Established: May 2017
Representatives: Co-CEOs, Doctor Yoshinori Abe and Kota Kubo
URL: https://ubie.life
References
[1] Japanese Journal of Urological Function 14(2): 266, 2003
[2] Journal of the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine 24(1): 108, 2009
[3] Urological Surgery 27(7): 1, 2014