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INDIANAPOLIS — A statin made by Eli Lilly and Kowa Pharmaceuticals America appears to work well with drugs used to treat HIV, according to a study presented at the sixth International AIDS Society conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention in Rome.

The study was designed to investigate potential interactions between Livalo (pitavastatin) and Abbott’s antiretroviral protease inhibitor Kaletra (lopinavir and ritonavir). The study found that each drug had only a minimal effect on the other.

INDIANAPOLIS — Eli Lilly's SVP global quality has joined the drug maker's executive committee, effective July 1.

Fionnuala Walsh, who joined Lilly in 1988, will continue in her current role at Lilly, where she ensures the company maintains high-quality standards across its worldwide operations.

Walsh reports to company chairman, president and CEO John Lechleiter.

INDIANAPOLIS — A topical drug made by Eli Lilly restored testosterone to normal levels in men with abnormally low testosterone, according to results of a late-stage clinical trial.

Lilly announced results of a phase-3 trial of Axiron (testosterone) topical solution, a treatment for the condition, also known as hypogonadism. Study results also showed that the drug improved symptoms associated with it.

Hypogonadism results from damage or disease of the testicles, hypothalamus or pituitary glands that inhibits production of testosterone.

Last month, the Food and Drug Administration approved Tradjenta (linagliptin), an oral Type 2 diabetes drug made by German drug maker Boehringer Ingelheim and Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly. The drug belongs to the class known as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, which also includes Merck’s Januvia (sitagliptin). With diabetes affecting some 26 million Americans and growing rapidly, Drug Store News spoke with Wa’el Hashad, BI’s VP cardiovascular and metabolic disorders marketing, about what the approval of Tradjenta means for the diabetes market.


INDIANAPOLIS — Drug maker Eli Lilly has created a multichannel platform to inform and educate patients about healthy eating, physical activity and stress management.

The program, Lilly for Better Health, is designed to help users live healthier, more active lives, and Lilly said it was designed to reach patients where they like to receive health information. The program includes a website, LillyForBetterHealth.com.

INDIANAPOLIS — Patients with Type 1 diabetes using an insulin product made by Eli Lilly can store it in their pumps for longer periods of time, while children using it have additional options, thanks to a labeling change approved Wednesday by the Food and Drug Administration.

INDIANAPOLIS — Drug maker Eli Lilly is partnering with two private investor groups to form a new biotech company based in central Indiana, the company said Monday.

Lilly signed a deal with Care Capital and NovaQuest Capital to establish BioCritica, a privately held biotechnology company that will focus on continued U.S. development and commercialization of the severe sepsis treatment Xigris (drotrecogin alfa [activated]). The new company also will expand its portfolio of critical care medicines for hospitals.

INDIANAPOLIS — Drug maker Eli Lilly has launched what it’s calling an “umbrella” for its patient assistance programs.

Lilly subsidiary Lilly USA announced the launch of TruAssist, which comprises a website and call center for patients and healthcare providers to access information about programs the company provides to help increase access to Lilly medications. The website is at LillyTrueAssist.com, while the call center can be reached at 1-855-LLYTRUE (1-855-559-8783).

INDIANAPOLIS — Drug maker Eli Lilly will get at least two more years of patent exclusivity on a drug used to treat depression, anxiety and pain resulting from diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia, thanks to a court order issued Wednesday.

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana ruled to forbid Wockhardt and other generic drug companies from selling generic versions of Cymbalta (duloxetine hydrochloride) until patent protection expires, which is expected to occur in June 2013.

INDIANAPOLIS — Marsh Supermarkets CEO Frank Lazaran is leaving the company, according to published reports.

The Indianapolis Star reported Tuesday that Lazaran was leaving after having led the company — based in the Indianapolis suburb of Fishers, Ind. — for four years.

The original owners, the Marsh family, sold the chain to Florida-based Sun Capital Partners in 2006 for $325 million.

INDIANAPOLIS — A topical medication for treating low testosterone in men now is available, drug maker Eli Lilly said.

Lilly announced the availability of Axiron (testosterone), a topical solution designed for application under the arm.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Axiron in November, making it the only testosterone replacement therapy applied to the underarm.