Eli Lilly to publish funding data online

Eli Lilly has announced that it is to publish the details of its grant funding and other financial contributions to US-based groups online – claiming to be the first pharmaceutical company to do so.

The firm will release the information regarding its donations to medical societies, patient groups, non-profit organisations and academic centres with the aim of providing information to the public on the level and use of this funding.

Grants from the company are usually focused on endocrinology, oncology and neuroscience, where the Lilly has particular specialist knowledge with the aim of improving treatment and access to treatment and promote discussion of key healthcare issues.

Sydney Taurel, chairman and chief executive officer of the firm, said: “Lilly provides educational grants as a part of our mission to enhance patient care and improve the healthcare system.”

He added that the company was proud of its contributions to these groups that seek to aid their work to better inform and empower patients and healthcare workers.

Last month, Lilly announced its sales figures for the first quarter of the 2007 fiscal year, with the firm reporting revenues of $4.226 billion (2.123 billion pounds), a 14 per cent rise on the same period last year.