AHRQ Selects Outcome as Research Center for New Evidence-Based Health Care Program; Outcome to Collect Data and Analyze Data Aimed at Filling Treatment Gaps.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Outcome, the leading provider of post-approval strategies and information-based solutions, today announced that it has been selected by Health and Human Services' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) as one of 13 research centers to conduct accelerated practical studies about the outcomes, comparative clinical effectiveness, safety, and appropriateness of health care items and services.

The research centers are collectively known as the DEcIDE (Developing Evidence to Inform Decisions about Effectiveness) Network, part of the AHRQ's recently announced Effective Healthcare Program. The program is designed to help clinicians and patients determine which drugs and medical treatments work best for certain health conditions.

"With the right tools, data analysis can yield a wealth of information on the effectiveness of treatment regimens for a variety of conditions," Richard Gliklich, MD, president and CEO of Outcome "We are pleased that the AHRQ not only recognizes the importance of data-driven treatment guidelines but is doing something about it. We look forward to collaborating with the rest of the DEcIDE network research to ensure the success of this program."

Operating under strict procedures to guarantee privacy and security, Outcome and the 12 other DEcIDE centers will use de-identified data available through insurers, health plans and other partner organizations to answer questions about the use, benefits and risks of medications and other therapies.

Initial research will focus on the outcomes of prescription drug use and other interventions for which randomized controlled trials would not be feasible or timely, or would raise ethical concerns that are difficult to address. Other DEcIDE network projects may focus on electronic registries, methods for analyzing health databases, and prospective observational or interventional studies. Additional information on the Effective Healthcare Program and the DEcIDE network can be found at www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov.

About Outcome

Outcome is the leading provider of post-approval strategies and information-based solutions. The Company is focused on helping organizations in life sciences and healthcare develop evidence, demonstrate effectiveness, manage safety and prove product value through registries, Phase IV studies, risk management and coverage under protocol programs. Backed by expertise and experience in over 30 therapeutic areas, Outcome has designed, developed and managed an industry leading number of post-approval studies, including more than 70 studies and many of the largest and most well-recognized programs for disease outcomes and safety/risk management. An Outcome registry received the 2004 Innovation Award from the Department of Health and Human Services. With more than 1.5 million patients enrolled in studies powered by Outcome and close to 3,000 sites logging on to the Outcome system daily, the Company has by far the most widely used system in the industry. For more information, please visit www.outcome.com.