Uncovering Insights on Multiple Chronic Conditions
Narrative review represents a key milestone in Teva’s efforts to address multiple chronic conditions
Approximately one-third of the global adult population lives with Multiple Chronic Conditions (MCC) -- the presence of two or more chronic conditions in a single patient -- with higher rates among older adults and those in developing countries. A recently published review, Preventive Medicine Reports, provides new insights based on research findings that may help advance our efforts to better understand, prevent and treat patients with MCC.
“The threat of chronic or non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes, has long been recognized by the global health community,” said Cother Hajat, MBBS, BSc, MPH, PhD, lead author of the study. “Yet, until recently, multiple chronic conditions had received very little attention. Our research represents a significant milestone in furthering our understanding of MCC and its impact on patients, communities and health systems.”
The independent research commissioned by Teva highlights the fact that healthcare costs for MCC increase exponentially and are expected to be greater than the combined cost of treating patients with each individual chronic condition. The new data also finds that certain chronic conditions occur together more frequently in clusters. For example, those with tuberculosis are three times more likely to also have diabetes, and those with HIV/AIDS are up to two times as likely to also have cardiovascular disease.
Study authors recommend tackling clusters of chronic conditions rather than individual conditions, and underscore the urgent need to understand how conditions relate to each other in order to better assess treatment options.
“These findings make clear the need to rethink how we view patients, their conditions and their treatments,” said Iris Beck Codner, Teva EVP Corporate Brand & Communications. “At Teva, we’re proud to be part of this conversation and aim to continue uncovering new insights that will help inform interventions that can have a real impact on patient outcomes.”
In early 2017, Teva announced its commitment to diligently address the challenges of non-communicable diseases by exploring new models of treatment for MCC. Commissioning independent research to understand the problem was just the first step. Teva later announced a partnership with Mount Sinai Health System to develop more patient-centered, integrated and scalable solutions to improve patient and health system care for MCC.
Learn more about Teva’s efforts to address Multiple Chronic Conditions
