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Stories/Discovery

New and pioneering health data research hubs have the potential to transform the future of healthcare

Nov 19, 2019

Data and digital technologies are some of the most powerful tools at our disposal. They’ve disrupted almost every business sector, from education to travel, and the healthcare industry has not been immune to this digital transformation. Technology has become integral to improving the quality and efficiency of healthcare services, particularly against the backdrop of funding constraints and growing demand for health and care services.

At Novartis UK, our mission is powered by digital and data. We believe that by creating opportunities to partner with innovative data companies, we’re a step closer to achieving our mission to reimagine medicine for patients around the UK.

Recently, we announced our partnership with Health Data Research UK (HDR UK), collaborating with leading universities, the NHS and patient groups to help establish two health data research hubs: BREATHE and Discover-NOW. By responsibly accessing and analysing this complex health data, using the latest advanced technology, our ambition is to enable cutting-edge research and drive innovation. This will improve the way we prevent, treat and cure diseases.

Novartis UK will be contributing its expertise in research and development to establish two health data research hubs:

  • BREATHE is a health data research hub led by the University of Edinburgh that aims to improve the lives of people living with respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

  • Discover-NOW, led by Imperial College Health Partners, will enable the research of real world evidence allowing researchers to prospectively identify new patterns in diseases. This aims to develop tools and services to improve patient care and also treat and prevent diseases

The UK has the potential to be a world-leader in innovation and is taking great strides to transform the way we do research. Joint partnerships, such as these, between a leading global medicines company and data research hubs unleash the power of data and digital by bringing together the brightest and most passionate minds.

We continue to facilitate transformative solutions to tackle some of the most challenging issues in healthcare, so that patients can live longer and better lives.