The Burrill Report


Drugmaker Eli Lilly and healthcare insurance giant Humana say they will collaborate on evidence-based research aimed at improving the healthcare of their members and patients.

The companies say they will analyze data and information with a focus on improving quality and outcomes. The agreement follows a similar pairing between Humana and Pfizer at the end of 2011. Under that five-year collaboration, the two companies worked on improving care and lowering costs for the treatment of chronic conditions such as pain, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Similar initiatives include AstraZeneca’s 2011 agreement with HealthCore and Sanofi’s 2011 collaboration with Medco Health Solutions.

The multi-year agreement between Lilly and Humana calls for a range of studies related to various disease states. These will include studies of the impact of interventions on outcomes, adherence programs, disease management, and pharmacoeconomics, the two companies say.

“Pairing Humana’s clinical expertise and rich, de-identified patient data with Lilly’s history and experience across many disease states allows us to maximize the potential benefits for patient care and savings,” says William Fleming, president of Humana Pharmacy Solutions.

The initial project will look at characteristics of type 2 diabetes patients associated with the increased costs of care. The retrospective analysis will use de-identified medical, pharmacy, and laboratory claims data, in addition to research algorithms focused on exploring patient attitudes and behaviors. Future studies, the companies say, may use this information to identify modifiable characteristics that can be targeted with behavioral and other therapeutic interventions.


August 30, 2013
http://www.burrillreport.com/article-lilly_and_humana_collaborate_to_improve_outcomes.html