Microsoft and PAREXEL form cloud technology alliance aimed at accelerating the pace of drug development

Microsoft and PAREXEL form cloud technology alliance aimed at accelerating the pace of drug development

Companies seek to drive digital transformation of the biopharmaceutical industry by combining PAREXEL’s drug development expertise with Microsoft Azure.

REDMOND, Wash., and BOSTON — Oct. 24, 2017 — Microsoft Corp. and PAREXEL International Corp., a leading global biopharmaceutical services organization, on Tuesday announced a technology development alliance aimed at driving innovation across the life sciences industry with technology powered by Microsoft Azure.

The collaboration between Microsoft and PAREXEL is designed to help the industry accelerate drug development and bring new therapies to patients sooner. The companies will combine Microsoft’s global cloud infrastructure, intelligent services, and research and development capabilities with PAREXEL’s global presence and its clinical and regulatory technology domain expertise.

The wide-ranging partnership will be initially focused on moving PAREXEL® Informatics technology and services onto Microsoft Azure, making it the preferred secure cloud platform for PAREXEL’s technology offerings. Microsoft and PAREXEL will also jointly develop innovative, patient-centric technologies and cloud-based services to support clinical research and market access for global life science clients. Specifically, the companies aim to develop solutions to enhance patient engagement and make participation in clinical trials more accessible. In addition, the alliance will seek opportunities to help the industry deliver on the promise of precision medicine.

“Technology is disrupting the established model of research and development in health care,” said Xavier Flinois, president, PAREXEL Informatics. “Drug development is becoming more complex, while innovations including social media, analytics, mobile technology and the Internet of Things are enabling a more patient-centric approach. In combination, Microsoft’s leading innovations and commitment to security and regulatory compliance, along with PAREXEL’s industry expertise, will allow us to bring accelerated drug delivery timelines and improved patient engagement to the industry.”