A new five-year research deal between health insurer Humana and pharmaceutical company Pfizer will see researchers from the two companies work to reduce inefficiencies in the delivery of healthcare to seniors suffering from a range of chronic conditions.
With a focus on conditions such as pain, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease, the collaboration will seek to take advantage of Humana's expertise in providing healthcare to seniors with Pfizer's strength of developing medications that treat chronic conditions. The hope is that by combining their respective data, the two companies can better understand patients' needs and in turn develop effective treaments.
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"This research collaboration is yet another important strategy Humana has implemented to learn more about our members' health and well-being," said William Fleming, vice president of Humana Pharmacy Solutions in a press release. "We are excited about this long-term research collaboration with Pfizer as the companies strive to develop an important body of knowledge that may meaningfully advance the work of our respective companies in various disease areas, population health sub-types, and intervention methods, among other things."
The need to develop this knowledge as it relates to the treatment of chronic conditions affecting the senior population comes as the number of people in the country over the age of 65 is expected to increase significantly. U.S Census estimates indicate that by 2020 the Medicare-eligible population will reach 65 million – a 36 percent increase in just ten years.
Humana will use its research affiliate Competitive Health Analytics in the deal with Pfizer to use clinical evidence data and comparative effectiveness research to better understand patient needs and improve access to appropriate care.
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"Through this innovative partnership we hope to improve outcomes and health for patients," said Steven Romano, MD, senior vice president of Pfizer's primary care medicines development group. "Together we will strive to find new solutions to address the issues of chronic illnesses that are treated in the primary care setting."