In an era when epidemiology underpins strategic decisions across drug development, commercial launch planning, and public-health policy, selecting the right market research partner is mission-critical for healthcare executives, pharma teams, and investors. Below is an authoritative, practical guide to the top providers that deliver rigorous epidemiology intelligence, real-world evidence, and market forecasting—plus evaluation criteria to help you match vendor strengths to your program needs.

Why epidemiology intelligence matters now

Epidemiology translates raw disease metrics into actionable business insights: incidence/prevalence estimates, patient segmentation, treatment patterns, and long-term forecasts that inform indication prioritization, clinical trial design, market sizing, and payer strategies. Accurate, auditable epidemiology underpins risk assessments for R&D portfolios and valuation models for investors.

How we selected these vendors

Vendors were chosen for: depth and granularity of epidemiology datasets, real-world evidence (RWE) capabilities, geographic coverage, therapeutic-area expertise, methodological transparency, and track record supporting regulatory, commercial, and investor decision-making.

Top healthcare market research companies for epidemiology insights

1. IQVIA

IQVIA is a global leader in real-world data and analytics, offering vast EMR, claims, and registry datasets (over a billion de-identified patient records) and turnkey epidemiology/RWE services that range from incidence/prevalence modelling to outcomes research. Their scale—global data assets combined with analytics tools—makes IQVIA a go-to for large pharma and complex multi-country studies.

2. Clarivate (including Decision Resources Group capabilities)

Clarivate provides epidemiology intelligence through Cortellis and integrated epidemiology modules, delivering multi-year forecasts, claims-based segmentation, and disease-specific modelling across dozens of indications and geographies. Their recent investments in Epidemiology Intelligence and the integration of legacy specialist groups give Clarivate strong desktop tools and expert consultancy for precision patient-population analysis.

3. GlobalData

GlobalData combines syndicated epidemiology reports, disease-area forecasting, and bespoke data services for life-sciences commercial teams. Their epidemiology analyses - covering historical trends, risk factors, and country-level forecasts - are frequently used for pipeline prioritization and market entry planning. GlobalData’s sector coverage and database products are particularly useful for cross-indication benchmarking and investor diligence.

4. DelveInsight

DelveInsight is a specialist healthcare market research and consulting firm focused on life sciences, with an extensive portfolio of epidemiology analyses and therapeutic-area reports. They deliver disease-specific incidence/prevalence models, competitive landscapes, and clinically nuanced market forecasts that serve mid-sized and specialty pharma clients seeking detailed, therapy-focused insight. DelveInsight’s hands-on consulting approach adds practical launch and labeling implications to epidemiology outputs.

5. Kantar Health

Kantar Health (part of Kantar’s broader health practice) offers robust epidemiology and health-analytics services complemented by primary market research and panel data. They emphasize methodological rigor (ISO certifications) and combine epidemiology with stakeholder research—helpful when commercial strategy must align epidemiology with HCP and payer sentiments.

6. Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan brings industry-level market forecasting and epidemiology to strategic growth consulting. Their analysts synthesize secondary data and expert validation to produce market sizing and epidemiology reports that are particularly valuable for corporate strategy and opportunity identification in medtech and specialty pharma.

7. Other notable providers

• Synapse Research / Local niche consultancies: For rare disease and country-specific epidemiology, boutique firms and academic collaborators can provide higher granularity and clinician-validated models.
  
  
• Academic centres & hospital networks: Often indispensable for validation studies or access to registries for uncommon indications.
  Consider combining a commercial vendor for scale with academic partners for validation where regulatory or payer scrutiny is expected.
  
  

What each vendor type brings to the table

• Large integrators (IQVIA, Clarivate): Scale, breadth of RWD, global reach, enterprise analytics platforms—best for multinational programs and regulatory-grade evidence.
  
  
• Specialist market research firms (DelveInsight, GlobalData): Therapy-focused expertise, agile consulting, and detailed disease models—ideal for therapeutic area strategy and mid-sized launches.
  
  
• Consultancies & boutique shops: Deep clinical domain knowledge, customizable models, often better for rare diseases or very focused epidemiology work.
  
  

Key criteria to evaluate suppliers (practical checklist)

• Data provenance & granularity: Ask for the exact data sources (claims, EMR, registry), sample sizes, and de-identification methods. Auditable provenance is essential.
  
  
• Methodological transparency: Request model assumptions, incidence/prevalence calculation methods, and sensitivity analyses. Prefer vendors that provide reproducible methods.
  
  
• Geographic & temporal coverage: Confirm country list, sub-national granularity, and the period covered (recent vs. historical trends).
  
  
• Therapeutic-area expertise: Ensure prior work in the specific indication—especially critical in oncology, rare disease, and immunology.
  
  
• Regulatory/payer experience: Vendors who have supported HTA submissions, payer dossiers, or label expansions add pragmatic value.
  
  
• Integration & delivery: Look for API access, dashboarding, and the ability to deliver both raw datasets and executive-ready slide decks.
  
  
• Cost structure & licensing: Clarify dataset licensing vs. project fees; enterprise contracts can include syndicated modules and user seats.
  
  

Typical deliverables to expect

• Incidence and prevalence estimates (by age, sex, geography) with confidence bounds.
  
  
• Patient journey and treatment-pathway maps derived from claims/EMR.
  
  
• Forecasts (5–20 year) with scenario and sensitivity modelling.
  
  
• RWE/observational study designs, feasibility assessments, and comparator cohorts.
  
  
• Executive dashboards, downloadable datasets, and reproducible analytics code or methodology appendices.
  
  

How to run a vendor pilot (recommended approach)

1. Define the core business question: market size for launch? Target population for a trial? Payer budget impact?
   
   
2. Scope a time-boxed pilot (6–8 weeks) that delivers incidence/prevalence, one patient-segment, and a simple forecast.
   
   
3. Require methodological documentation and at least one validation step (external registry or clinician review).
   
   
4. Evaluate deliverables on accuracy, reproducibility, and ease of integration with your internal models.
   
   

Pricing & contracting realities

Expect broad variance—large integrators typically command higher fees for enterprise data licensing and global deliverables; specialists offer competitive project pricing but may charge premium rates for bespoke modelling. Negotiate for reproducible outputs (data tables and model code) and clear IP/licensing terms.

Final recommendations for executives and investors

• For multinational launches and regulatory-grade evidence, prioritize large RWD integrators (IQVIA, Clarivate).
  
  
• For therapeutic-area depth and tactical commercial planning, include specialist firms like DelveInsight and GlobalData in your shortlist.
  
  
• Combine syndicated data with clinician validation or academic collaboration for high-stakes indications (rare disease, narrow patient populations).
  
  
• Insist on methodological transparency, reproducibility, and deliverable formats that plug directly into your valuation and market-access workflows.
  
  

Epidemiology intelligence is no longer a back-office exercise—it is strategic currency. The right vendor relationship accelerates decision cycles, de-risks investment, and helps convert epidemiologic understanding into commercial advantage. Use the checklist and pilot approach above to compare suppliers objectively and ensure the partner you choose can deliver the level of granularity and rigor your program demands.