** Shares of drugmaker Viatris VTRS.O rise 2% to $13.47 premarket

** Co says Japan approved its drug Effexor to treat generalized anxiety disorder

** Approval makes Effexor the first medicine cleared for the condition in Japan, co says

** Effexor, also known as venlafaxine, was already approved in Japan for depression - company

** Decision follows a late‑stage study in Japan that showed the drug eased anxiety symptoms better than placebo after eight weeks, with limited dropouts due to side effects - co

** Drug is already approved for anxiety disorder in more than 80 countries outside Japan - VTRS

** As of last close, stock up ~6% YTD