Company Overview

Lilly is a global research-based pharmaceutical corporation that makes pharmaceuticals, hormones, and nutritional products for humans and animals. The company was founded by chemist Colonel Eli Lilly in 1876.

The company has been best known in recent years for its top-selling antidepressant Prozac. However, since Prozac’s patent has expired—and competitors have cut into profits with cheaper generic versions—Lilly’s current number one moneymaker is now Zyprexa, a new treatment for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Lilly has also had recent successes with its insulin drugs (Humulin, Humalog, Actos) and Gemzar, a therapy for pancreatic cancer. Recent product releases include Byetta, a treatment for Type 2 Diabetes; Cymbalta, an antidepressant; and Cialis, or the "weekend pill," a 36-hour erectile dysfunction treatment.

One of the company’s major milestones of the last few years occurred in 2005. The drug Byetta, the first of a series of new medicines known as incretin mimetics was approved in the United States. Byetta is used to help treat Type 2 Diabetes.

Lilly recently opened a new research and development lab in Indianapolis, Indiana, and a new manufacturing facility in Puerto Rico. Dozens of other products are in the company's pipeline, including a treatment for sepsis and more targeted cancer therapies.