Tackling polypharmacy risks with personalised medication safety solutions
Polypharmacy is the use of multiple medicines by one individual. It is becoming increasingly common due to factors such as an ageing population and the rising prevalence of multimorbidity. Hannover Re has partnered with GalenusRx, a health and med-tech company, to promote safe and personalised medication regimens.
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Background
When diagnosed with a single condition, patients are prescribed medication(s) to address the risk of that specific condition. However, when multiple conditions are present, several medications may be prescribed independently by different providers, without consideration of the multi-drug interactions. Certain combinations of medication can be harmful and can lead to medication-related problems (MRPs) and adverse drug events, that could significantly impact quality of life and increase the risk of further complications.
In March 2025, the American Society of Pharmacovigilance reported that adverse drug events had become the third leading cause of death in the US, up from the fourth leading cause in 20211. For life and health insurers, this trend is concerning, not only due to increased mortality and morbidity risk, but also because of the financial burden from hospitalisations, emergency visits and prolonged recovery. Yet, these outcomes may be preventable by taking a holistic approach to medication planning.
1 America's Silent Epidemic Worsens: Adverse Drug Events Now the Third Leading Cause of Death. Available from: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/americas-silent-epidemic-worsens-adverse-drug-events-now-the-third-leading-cause-of-death-302408765.html, accessed on 11 February 2026.
Description of solution
GalenusRx’s medication safety technology aims to directly address this challenge. Patients are given the knowledge to potentially avoid adverse drug events and live a healthier, longer life. Through GalenusRx’s proprietary platform, APPRAISE™, drug-drug, multi-drug, drug-gene, drug-drug-gene and drug-disease interactions are analysed to produce a unique, comprehensive risk assessment, personalised for each individual.
These insights are clearly presented based on levels of concern and integrated into GalenusRx’s consulting service, Lifesaving Insights™. This service uses a combination of advance analytical techniques with expert precision clinical pharmacists to provide individuals with personalised assessments and tailored recommendations. Patients are supported in understanding the recommendations and are offered follow-up appointments to enable continued support in their journey to optimise their medication regime and potentially reduce their risk of adverse drug events.
Expected benefits
A study conducted on the impact of pharmacist-delivered medication safety reviews in collaboration with GalenusRx compared a group of individuals following medical safety interventions vs a group who did not. The results showed that medication safety interventions led to reductions in healthcare costs, hospitalisations, emergency visits, and premature mortality year-over-year.2
For insurers, the partnership between GalenusRx and Hannover Re offers a truly policyholder-first valuable benefit that helps to improve health outcomes while generating additional potential savings and the possibility of reducing overall medical expenditure. Additionally, the regular interaction provided by GalenusRx may help to strengthen engagement and loyalty with policyholders.
2 Stein A, Finnel S, Bankes D, et al. Health outcomes from an innovative enhanced medication therapy management model. Am J Manag Care. 2021;27(16 Suppl):S300-S308. doi:10.37765/ajmc.2021.88755
How Hannover Re can support you
Hannover Re’s partnership with GalenusRx is a pioneering engagement that reflects our commitment to innovation. Through this collaboration, Hannover Re’s clients are offered access to technology and services that promote safe and appropriate medication regimes, which may help to prevent avoidable adverse drug events and improve underlying claims experience.
Additionally, the benefits of the GalenusRx solution for life insurance providers in the US is currently being explored.
We welcome the chance to discuss how this technology can support you and look forward to being in touch.
Disclaimer:
The information presented in this case study, as well as in any other descriptions of projects or cooperations, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, regulatory guidance, medical advice, or any form of professional advisory service. To avoid any wording that could be interpreted as implying medical effectiveness, this document must not be understood as containing, asserting, or suggesting any medical efficacy claims. Nothing in this document shall be construed as a legally binding offer to enter into any contract or agreement of any kind. All results, performance indicators, and outcome descriptions reflect the specific conditions and parameters of the referenced project(s) or product launch(es). They are not guarantees, promises, or assurances of comparable or future performance in any other context. No warranty is given – whether express or implied – particularly that comparable or similar results can or will be achieved elsewhere. Any potential success of comparable initiatives critically depends on the lawful and compliant ability to contact policyholders, including the validity of any required consent under the applicable legal framework. All third‑party entities mentioned in this document, including insurtech companies, are independent businesses and operate separately and autonomously from Hannover Re. Their services, solutions, or technologies are neither endorsed nor guaranteed by Hannover Re and are subject to their own terms and conditions, unless explicitly stated otherwise. References to third‑party trademarks or brands are made solely for descriptive purposes and remain the property of their respective owners. No affiliation, sponsorship, approval, or endorsement by those owners is implied. Statements in this document regarding benefits, compliance requirements, risks, risk assessments, or business cases are based on our subjective experience, judgment, or interpretation. They do not replace - and must not be relied upon as a substitute for - independent assessment, verification, or due‑diligence activities by customers or other stakeholders. In particular, all aspects relating to data protection requirements (including but not limited to GDPR considerations) and AI‑related regulatory obligations must be independently assessed, verified, and evaluated by interested parties in light of their own legal and operational frameworks. The use of the terms such as “partner” or “partnered” without further qualification solely indicates that we cooperated on specific activities or exchanges with third parties; it does not imply a legal partnership, joint venture, affiliation, or any form of shared corporate structure. Each party acts independently and on its own behalf. Hannover Re and/or affiliated companies of the Hannover Re Group assume no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or future applicability of the information provided in this document.
