Rx News

Humana and Lilly Form Research Collaboration to Improve Health Care Outcomes

February 14, 2012

LOUISVILLE, Ky. and INDIANAPOLIS,-- Humana Inc., one of the nation's leading health and well-being companies, and Eli Lilly and Company, a leading, innovation-driven corporation, today announced a joint research collaboration aimed at improving the health care of their members and patients.

Under the partnership, the companies will utilize their expertise and resources to identify and analyze data and information with a focus on improving health care quality and outcomes. The partnership reflects a shared commitment by both companies to address the challenges of improving quality of care and reducing treatment costs in today's complex and changing health care environment.

"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," said William Fleming, Pharm.D., President of Humana Pharmacy Solutions. "By leveraging our collective capabilities, we can work to address the critical health care needs facing our country."

Under the terms of the multi-year agreement, the companies will conduct a range of studies related to various disease states. Study methodologies include: impact of interventions on outcomes, adherence programs, disease management and pharmacoeconomics.

The initial project is aimed at investigating patient characteristics associated with increased health care costs in people with type 2 diabetes. This retrospective analysis utilizes de-identified medical, pharmacy and laboratory claims data, in addition to research algorithms focused on exploring patient attitudes and behaviors. Future studies may use this information to identify modifiable characteristics that can be targeted with behavioral and other therapeutic interventions.

"We are pleased to partner with Humana on research that will help benefit patients facing a variety of diseases, including diabetes," said Dara Schuster, M.D., Medical Fellow, Lilly Diabetes. "Working together, we hope to provide patients with insights and guidance that will help them tailor their care to best match their individual needs."

Comprehensive Health Insights, a wholly owned subsidiary of Humana, will serve as the research engine in the collaboration. Since 2008 CHI has successfully partnered with a wide range of industry partners to perform health economics and outcomes research using Humana's data assets.