Novartis and DAK-Gesundheit: Joint MS project

01.06.2016 12:59

Novartis and the health insurance company DAK-Gesundheit have started a joint cooperation project in the area of multiple sclerosis (MS). The research project aims to show what the current level of care for MS patients in Germany is: over-, under- or incorrect care is to be identified and approaches to optimizing the care management of MS patients are to be developed.

“Our common goal is that MS patients in Germany receive individual care according to their needs. Combining the technical and scientific expertise of Novartis and DAK-Gesundheit benefits MS patients, strengthens patient care and underlines our long-term commitment to MS,” says Adib Jacob, CEO of Novartis Pharma. Bernd Ziesemer, head of the pharmaceuticals department at DAK-Gesundheit, sees this too: “For us, the focus is on optimal care for the MS patients insured with us. The research project is intended to provide an important building block to ensure the best possible supply of suitable medicines.”

The three-year project, in which valid data is to be collected retrospectively in strict compliance with data protection, is supported by Xcenda, a scientific research institute from Hanover active in the field of healthcare. “Health services research in Germany is still in its infancy. This project lays an important building block to demonstrate the value of regularly collected data for the further development of care," says Dr. Sebastian Braun, head of studies at Xcenda.