Pfizer and Humana to research healthcare options for elderly

Pfizer is entering into a new research collaboration with Humana that aims to improve the quality of healthcare provision for elderly patients.

The five-year research partnership will explore methods of improving the quality, outcomes and costs of healthcare delivery systems for senior citizens, assessing key areas in which inefficiencies currently exist.

Researchers and healthcare experts from both organisations will focus on areas such as pain, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease and will combine real-world outcome data with scientific research.

The aim of this collaboration is to improve access to appropriate care options and create a better understanding of medical needs among this patient group.

Dr Steven Romano, senior vice-president of Pfizer's primary care medicine development group, said: "Together we will strive to find new solutions to address the issues of chronic illnesses that are treated in the primary care setting."

Earlier this week, the firm announced a new alliance with GlycoMimetics, which will see Pfizer gain global marketing rights to a sickle cell disease therapy called GMI-1070.