Lilly provides new update on ‘robust’ research pipeline developments

Lilly has given a presentation to the investment community detailing the significant potential offered by its robust research and development pipeline.

The company believes it has the potential to launch 20 new products in the ten years from 2014 to 2023, with an average of two new indications or line extensions for already-approved products per year during the same period.

Its work is focused on four core areas – diabetes, oncology, immunology and neurodegeneration – and the emerging area of pain. Significant work has been done in recent years to accelerate the efficiency of the research pipeline.

For example, its immuno-oncology portfolio will have five differentiated molecules in clinical testing by the end of 2016 and as many as 11 by the end of 2018, while the firm also has one of the industry's most comprehensive Alzheimer's portfolios, with seven molecules already in human testing.

Dr John Lechleiter, Lilly's chairman, president and chief executive officer, said: "In looking at our recent launches and current pipeline, we believe we are in the midst of the most prolific period of new launches in our company's 140-year history."