Healthways and Johns Hopkins Medicine, a division of the renowned Johns Hopkins HealthCare system, have agreed to extend by five years their decade-long agreement — a joint operating contract of sorts — to develop the “clinical, research and educational capabilities” between the parties and to develop programs like the Innergy weight loss program.

“Our new agreement with Johns Hopkins reflects a major change in focus for our ongoing collaboration,” said Ben Leedle, Healthways' president and CEO in a company statement.

Officials declined to elaborate on the expanded agreement’s purpose — Leedle said it involves "even more effective models to engage individuals of all ages in the lifestyle and health behaviors" — but did say they were in the beginning stages of something. The extension is a coup for Franklin-based Healthways and represents an ongoing trust between the parties, according to a Healthways’ spokesperson.

“They don’t go to the commercial market lightly,” said spokesman Chip Wochomurka. “And when they have gone to the commercial market, they’ve gone with us.”

Shares of Healthways (Ticker: HWAY) closed Tuesday trading at $9.03, down slightly on the day. They've given up about 20 percent in the past month but are still up about 30 percent year to date.