W2O acquires health policy consulting firm Discern Health

W2O has bought US health economics and outcomes research company Discern Health, marking its sixth acquisition in less than a year.

The move will give Discern Health access to healthcare communications agency W2O’s proprietary data models and tools, as well as its 1,400-person-strong multidisciplinary team – including data analysts, scientific strategists, branding experts, communications specialists and creatives.

Rita Glaze, practice leader of commercial strategy and market access at W2O, said: “Our clients need ongoing evidence-generation strategies that mirror the market dynamics they are facing, along with up-to-the-minute insights and counsel.

“With Discern Health as part of our organisation, we will continue to raise the quality and depth of our data and analytics offering, to ensure it stands up to the scrutiny of peer and government review. We will truly be #BetterTogether.”

Founded in 2004, Baltimore-headquartered Discern Health provides strategic direction and policy solutions to life sciences companies, government and non-profit agencies, and health insurers. The firm works with organisations to strengthen and quantify clinical and real-world evidence strategies that inform ongoing market access and commercialisation initiatives.

Discern Health’s founder Guy D’Andrea said: “Value-based care is a key driver of health system change. To be successful, health care companies need to integrate value-based strategy into each level of their organization and each stage of product development.”

Tom Valuck, partner at the firm, added: “We’ve been working with W2O over the past year and have gotten to know each other well.

“Being part of the W2O team means that we can supercharge our capabilities and incorporate world-class analytics and insights into our work, bringing even greater resources to our clients and, ultimately, improving patient outcomes.”