Eli Lilly and Company

American pharmaceutical company

Eli Lilly and Company is a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 1876 by Colonel Eli Lilly, the company is known for its pioneering work in the development of insulin, psychiatric medications, and other significant pharmaceutical products.

History

Colonel Eli Lilly in 1885

Eli Lilly and Company was founded by Colonel Eli Lilly, a pharmaceutical chemist and veteran of the American Civil War. Lilly was committed to creating high-quality medicines that met rigorous standards of safety and efficacy. The company began with three employees and produced a range of pharmaceutical products, including capsules, pills, and fluid extracts.

In the early 20th century, the company expanded its operations and began to focus on research and development. This led to the introduction of several groundbreaking drugs, including insulin in the 1920s, which revolutionized the treatment of diabetes.

Innovations and Products

Eli Lilly Medicines, 1906

Eli Lilly and Company has been at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation. The company was one of the first to mass-produce insulin and later developed penicillin during World War II. In the latter half of the 20th century, Lilly introduced several important psychiatric medications, including Prozac (fluoxetine), which became one of the most widely prescribed antidepressants in the world.

The company continues to focus on developing treatments for cancer, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Corporate Structure and Operations

Eli Lilly and Company Headquarters, ca. 1919

Eli Lilly and Company operates in over 120 countries and employs tens of thousands of people worldwide. The company's headquarters are located in Indianapolis, Indiana, where it maintains a significant research and development presence.

The company is organized into several divisions, each focusing on different therapeutic areas. These include oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and endocrinology.

Research and Development

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Views in Elastic Filled Capsule Department

Research and development are central to Eli Lilly's mission. The company invests heavily in R&D to discover and develop new treatments. Lilly's research facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by leading scientists in the field.

The company collaborates with academic institutions, research organizations, and other pharmaceutical companies to advance its research efforts.

Leadership

Josiah K. Lilly

Leadership at Eli Lilly has been marked by a commitment to innovation and ethical business practices. The Lilly family played a significant role in the company's early years, with Josiah K. Lilly, Sr. and Josiah K. Lilly, Jr. both serving as presidents of the company.

Today, Eli Lilly is led by a team of experienced executives who continue to uphold the company's legacy of innovation and integrity.

Related pages

• Pharmaceutical industry
• Insulin
• Prozac
• Diabetes
• Antidepressant