Optum, PAREXEL partner to reduce drug development costs related with post-approval studies

The strategic alliance combines the strength of Optum’s clinical data set derived from electronic health records (EHRs), claims data assets and analytics with PAREXEL’s global, site-based research experience.

Optum and PAREXEL will offer innovative hybrid studies that combine existing data from electronic health records (EHRs) and medical claims with site-based clinical research, which can accelerate the post-approval collection of clinical evidence for the life sciences industry.

Through these powerful new clinical studies, Optum and PAREXEL aim to help biopharmaceutical companies bring new, more effective drugs to market with reduced drug development costs and increased evidence to support health plan reimbursement.

Optum Life Sciences president Brian Kelly said: "Combining PAREXEL’s clinical research expertise with Optum’s data resources and analytical capabilities can advance the way new and innovative drugs are developed, evaluated and brought to market for the benefit of patients.

"At Optum, we generate real-world evidence that helps our clients improve clinical care and, ultimately, make the health system work better."

PAREXEL Access corporate vice president and worldwide head Joshua Schultz said: "The pressures to control health care costs mean drug developers are looking for ways to create efficiencies and cost-savings in drug development.

"Working with Optum Life Sciences, PAREXEL will be able to further advance the clinical research process, helping clients more efficiently develop and evaluate drugs, reduce the cost of drug development and improve patient care."