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Company
History | Research Milestones | Company Profile
| Highlights
Milestones in Research and Development
Since
our company was founded more than a century ago, we have been at the forefront
of many significant medical breakthroughs.
1880's
Lilly became one of the first companies to initiate a bona fide pharmaceutical
research program, hiring a chemist as its first scientist.
1920's
Our researchers collaborated with Frederick Banting and Charles Best,
of the University of Toronto, to isolate and purify insulin for the treatment
of diabetes, then a fatal disease with no effective treatment options.
The work resulted in Lilly's introduction of Iletin, the world's first
insulin product, in 1922.
We initiated a research
program to find a treatment for pernicious anemia, a life-threatening
blood disorder, and introduced a liver extract product that served as
a standard for therapy for decades. The company's collaborators on the
project, two researchers at Harvard University, later shared a Nobel Prize
for the discovery of liver therapy to treat anemia.
1940's
We were among the first companies to develop a method to mass-produce
penicillin, the world's first antibiotic marking the beginning of sustained
effort to fight infectious diseases.
1950's
We introduced vancomycin, a powerful antibiotic, that remain the last
line of defence for patients suffering from serious hospital infections
associated with certain types of resistant bacteria. Lilly launched erythromycin,
an antibiotic whose broad spectrum expanded the alternatives for penicillin-allergic
patients.
1960's
We launched the first of a long line of oral and injectable antibiotics
in a new class called cephalosporins. Over the next two decades, the company
pioneered important chemical breakthroughs that allowed the large-scale
production of these products, which include Keflex® and Kefzol® The company
also introduced vincristine and vinblastine, anticancer drugs, known as
vinca alkaloids, that are derived from the rosy periwinkle plant.
1970's
Ceclor, a member of the cephalosporin family, was launched and eventually
became the world's top-selling antibiotic. Lilly introduced Dobutrexe®,
an innovative and lifesaving cardiovascular product.
1980's
The most significant breakthrough in diabetes care since the 1920's was
marked by our 1982 introduction of Humulin - insulin identical to that
produced by the human body. Humulin is the world's first human health-care
product created using recombinant DNA technology. We later applied this
technology to the introduction of Humatrope®, therapy for growth hormone
deficiency. Lilly launched Prozac, the first product in a major new class
of drugs for the treatment of clinical depression. Prozac remains the
world's most widely prescribed antidepressant.
1990's
We introduced a series of innovative new products: Gemzar, the treatment
of pancreatic and non-small-cell lung cancer; ReoPro®, a cardiovascular
drug that prevents blood clots following certain heart procedures, such
as angioplasty; Zyprexa, now the world's best selling antipsychotic for
the treatment of schizophrenia; Humalog®, a rapid- acting insulin product
that offers greater dosing convenience and improved blood-sugar control;
and Evista, the first of a new class of drugs to be used for the prevention
and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. In 1999, Takeda and Lilly
successfully launched Actos, an oral antidiabetes agent, in the United
States. Launch plans are under way in more than 70 additional countries.
2000's
In late 2000, Lilly submitted Forteo®, a novel treatment
for osteoporosis, for regulatory review.
The year 2001 brought a major milestone: Lilly launched another
first-in-class product, Xigris®, for the treatment of severe
sepsis in adult patients with a high risk of death. In 2001, we
also submitted several innovative new compounds for regulatory
review - atomoxetine, for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity
disorder in children, adolescents and adults; Cialis®, for the
treatment of erectile dysfunction; and duloxetine, for the treatment
of major depressive disorder.
In 2002, Cialis®, a medication to treat male erectile dysfunction, is approved for marketing in the European Union; the U.S. launch follows in 2004. Forteo®, a first-in-class medicine for osteoporosis patients to stimulate new bone formation, is approved. Strattera®, a nonstimulant, noncontrolled medication to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, is approved.
In 2004, Symbyax®, the first and only FDA-approved medication to treat bipolar depression, is launched in the U.S. Alimta® is approved for use with cisplatin, a standard chemotherapy agent, for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Cymbalta® is approved as a new treatment for major depressive disorder and diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain.
In 2005, Byetta®, a first in a new class of medicines known as incretin mimetics to treat type 2 diabetes, is approved and launched in the U.S.
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