Eli Lilly has linked arms with the University of Surrey in  a five-year research partnership to study health outcomes, focusing on the effects of treatment in people with type 2 diabetes.

Real-world evidence will be used to seek answers to common clinical questions on “the continuum of diabetes care”, such as the role and timing of injectable therapy, factors impacting adherence to prescribed medicines and the pattern and rationale of therapy following diagnosis.

"Living with diabetes is a long and involved journey for patients and their caregivers," said Brad Curtis, principal research scientist, Lilly Diabetes medical affairs, and “it's important for clinicians to understand each step of that journey so patients might have a better chance to reach optimal outcomes”.

"By understanding how effectively individual care plans work we can learn more about how to improve and enhance diabetes care broadly,” added Simon de Lusignan of the University of Surrey, noting that the broad aim of the collaboration is “to ensure that those suffering with the disease receive treatments that allow them to continue living their lives in the fullest sense, with effective support in place”.

Further terms of the deal were not disclosed.