Lilly chief calls for more progress on diabetes research

Lilly chairman, president and chief executive officer John Lechleiter has underlined the importance of continued research investment into the field of diabetes.

In a talk given at the recent Cleveland Clinic Medical Innovation Summit, Mr Lechleiter stated that the need for new breakthroughs has become greater than ever due to the increasingly widespread nature of the disease.

He noted that a number of positive developments in diabetes treatment have emerged in recent years, such as new insulin delivery methods, superior glucose control therapy options and encouraging studies into the genetic causes of the condition.

Mr Lechleiter also stated that a more favourable regulatory environment, as well as an increase in collaborative research initiatives, could help to foster "true medical innovation" in this area.

He added: "We must aggressively pursue the fight to alleviate the suffering brought about by the long-term consequences of this devastating disease."

This comes after Lilly announced earlier this month that it will be creating a new diabetes research centre in Shanghai, which will employ around 100 scientists and be opened in the second half of 2011.