Eli Lilly announces ‘Welcome Back Award’ winners

Eli Lilly, developer of depression therapies Prozac and Symbyax, has announced the winners of the Welcome Back Awards for 2007 that will be recognised this week at a ceremony celebrating the dedication of five individuals who have aided patients and communities affected by depression.

This year has seen the independent committee of mental health leaders acknowledge the work of Karen Swartz for her efforts in psychiatry, Sara Valentino for her primary care work, Thomas S Stanage for his community service and Sylvia Axelrod for helping to destigmatise the condition.

Harold House was given the lifetime achievement award for his work in helping to establish the Pacers Academy in Indiana and for his testimony before the US justice department regarding the lack of adequate care for children with depression.

Roberto Lewis-Fernandez, associate professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University in New York, said: “Each honouree recognises that mental illnesses affect more than just the individuals diagnosed with them – they impact the surrounding community as well.”

He added that Eli Lilly is proud to pay tribute to these individuals who have increased awareness and knowledge of depression and consequently reduced the stigma associated with the condition and widened the reach of treatment options.

In May 2006, Eli Lilly began legal proceedings against Barr Pharmaceuticals relating to the patent and generic production of depression medication Prozac.