Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company Statement on the ADA Request for Independent Review of Incretin-Based Therapies

Ridgefield, Conn. and Indianapolis, June 13, 2013 – Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (BIPI) and Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly; NYSE: LLY) support the American Diabetes Association (ADA) call for an independent review of the safety data of incretin-based therapies. At BIPI and Lilly, patient safety is our top priority, and we support ongoing efforts to further understand whether diabetes or certain diabetes treatments may affect the risk of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

We welcome future discussion with the ADA to determine how best we can support this initiative and to provide a valuable contribution.

BIPI and Lilly also welcome the discussions taking place this week at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases–National Cancer Institute (NIDDK-NCI) Pancreatitis, Diabetes and Pancreatic Cancer Workshop. The workshop was convened, in part, to examine the latest data on whether there is a potential risk of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer in people with type 2 diabetes as well as those treated with drugs classified as incretin-based therapies.

About Diabetes
Approximately 25.8 million Americans¹ and an estimated 371 million people worldwide² have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type, accounting for an estimated 90 to 95 percent of all diabetes cases.¹ Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body does not properly either produce or use the hormone insulin.³ Diabetes was estimated to cost the U.S. $245 billion in 2012.⁴ 

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company
In January 2011, Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company announced an alliance in the field of diabetes that centers on three compounds representing several of the largest diabetes treatment classes. This alliance leverages the companies’ strengths as two of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, combining Boehringer Ingelheim’s solid track record of research-driven innovation and Lilly’s innovative research, experience, and pioneering history in diabetes. By joining forces, the companies demonstrate commitment in the care of patients with diabetes and stand together to focus on patient needs. Find out more about the alliance at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com or www.lilly.com.

About Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in Ridgefield, CT, is the largest U.S. subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation (Ridgefield, CT) and a member of the Boehringer Ingelheim group of companies.

The Boehringer Ingelheim group is one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, it operates globally with 140 affiliates and more than 46,000 employees. Since it was founded in 1885, the family-owned company has been committed to researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing novel medications of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.

Social responsibility is a central element of Boehringer Ingelheim's culture. Involvement in social projects, caring for employees and their families, and providing equal opportunities for all employees form the foundation of the global operations. Mutual cooperation and respect, as well as environmental protection and sustainability are intrinsic factors in all of Boehringer Ingelheim’s endeavors.

In 2012, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of about $19.1 billion (14.7 billion euro). R&D expenditure in the business area Prescription Medicines corresponds to 22.5% of its net sales.

For more information please visit www.us.boehringer-ingelheim.com.

About Eli Lilly and Company
Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, IN, Lilly provides answers – through medicines and information – for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com.

About Lilly Diabetes
Lilly has been a global leader in diabetes care since 1923, when we introduced the world’s first commercial insulin. Today we work to meet the diverse needs of people with diabetes through research and collaboration, a broad and growing product portfolio and a continued commitment to providing real solutions–-from medicines to support programs and more–-to make lives better.

For more information, visit www.lillydiabetes.com.

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Lilly Media Contact
Tammy Hull
Communications Manager
Lilly Diabetes
Phone: (317) 651-9116
e-mail

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National diabetes fact sheet: national estimates and general information on diabetes and pre-diabetes in the United States, 2011. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011.
2. International Diabetes Federation. Diabetes Atlas, 5th Edition: Fact Sheet. 2012.
3. International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 5th Edition: What is Diabetes? http://www.idf.org/diabetesatlas/5e/what-is-diabetes. Accessed on: July 27, 2012.
4. American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care. 2013;36(4):1033-1046.