Lilly joins Safe-BioPharma Association

Lilly has become a member of the Safe-BioPharma Association.

The joining of the non-profit organisation means the company can manage identities of employees and external collaborators, using digital signatures to sign documents.

Lilly is also set to have access to the Safe-BioPharma Certification Bridge Authority, which allows users to trust identities in online transactions as part of leveraging the efficacy and cost-savings of the internet.

President and chief executive officer of Safe-BioPharma Association Mollie Shields-Uehling said: “Member companies decide to join so they can enjoy the substantial cost-savings and efficiencies that the ? standard delivers to the biopharmaceutical industry.”

She added: “We look forward to helping Lilly get the greatest benefit from its membership.”

Last week, Lilly filed cases against Lupin Laboratories and Aurobindo Pharma, which accused the two companies of infringing its patent for the anti-depressant drug Cymbalta.

The exclusive right in question is set to expire in 2013 and the company says the drug has annual global sales of around $2 billion (1.37 billion pounds).

Founded in 1876, Lilly employs approximately 40,217 people globally – of which 7,946 are in research and development.

Based in Indianapolis, US, the company has manufacturing plants in 13 countries, with products marketed in 143.