Optum and global CRO Parexel International have formed a strategic alliance to reduce drug development costs associated with post-approval studies, which are conducted after the approval of a product to obtain further evidence of its safety or effectiveness.

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 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.

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

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

Optum is an information and technology-enabled health services business dedicated to helping make the health system work better for everyone. With more than 100,000 people worldwide, Optum delivers intelligent, integrated solutions that help to modernize the health system and improve overall population health. Optum is part of UnitedHealth Group.