US-based healthcare company Aetna has signed a value-based contract with Merck for type 2 diabetes medications Januvia (sitagliptin) and Janumet (sitagliptin and metformin).

The contract aims to support the companies’ objectives to help adult patients with type 2 diabetes access appropriate treatment.

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Under the contract, Merck’s rebates on Januvia and Janumet medications will be based in part on the products’ contributions to help Aetna’s commercial member population with this diabetes achieve treatment objectives.

Merck global human health US market president Robert McMahon said: “Merck shares Aetna’s commitment to focusing on patients, and we are confident that the value-based agreement will help advance our common goal of helping patients with type 2 diabetes.”

"It is in everyone’s interest to ensure that patients receive appropriate medicines to help achieve their treatment goals."

Merck has additionally agreed to collaborate on Aetna’s new personalised health and wellness care initiative, known as AetnaCare.

The patient-centric approach to care identifies target populations using predictive analytics and provides the knowledge, tools, and support to members to help them take a proactive role in managing their own health.

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Aetna executive vice-president and chief medical officer Dr Harold Paz said: “At Aetna, we believe that focusing on how physicians prescribe medications in real-world settings is a key element in determining the value of the treatment.

“It is in everyone’s interest to ensure that patients receive appropriate medicines to help achieve their treatment goals.”

The programme will initially target patients with diabetes and hypertension in mid-Atlantic markets.

Aetna will incorporate some of the educational resources from Merck’s inventory into AetnaCare to support effective patient self-management.

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