Eli Lilly announces new non-discrimination policy

Eli Lilly has announced the addition of a genetic privacy and protection policy for employees to its existing non-discrimination principles.

This new policy will guarantee that employees will not be discriminated against in employment choices or benefits as a result of their genetic makeup. Lilly reports that this decision was partly prompted by ongoing research into genetics as a means of improving healthcare and providing customised medication for patients.

It claims it is essential this technology be used to improve healthcare without prejudicing the employment choices of individuals or affecting their access to adequate insurance cover.

Eiry Roberts, vice-president of medical projects and programme phase at Lilly Research Laboratories, said: “Some genetic tests can provide insights that individuals can use to make lifestyle changes – such as improving their diet, avoiding certain medicines or foods, and getting preventive medical care – that are likely to improve their health.”

She added that individuals may be reluctant to share this potentially useful information that could benefit both them and others if they could consequently be discriminated against.

Last week, Eli Lilly announced the promotion of Anne Nobles to vice-president for compliance and enterprise risk management and appointment of Alex M Azar as senior vice-president of corporate affairs and communications of the firm.