This begins with a research team of scientists from many disciplines such as molecular biology, pharmacology and medicinal chemistry. These teams identify a range of drug candidates that show promise in target therapeutic areas. Once a compound has been shown to possess properties of potential therapeutic value, the process of development begins. This process involves the large-scale synthesis and formulation of the compound. Once formulated the testing of the compound begins through the clinical trial process.
Clinical trials take several years and move through various stages.
If the results demonstrate safety, quality and efficacy then the company applies for regulatory approval. Once granted the compound becomes a medicine and is at last ready for the patient. On average only one in ten thousand compounds synthesised will pass successfully through the multitude of screens and trials necessary for regulatory approval. To the future Eli Lilly and Company is committed to discovering, developing and supplying quality medicines to help us all live longer and healthier lives. By applying best practice across all its operations Lilly has been a world leader in medicine for over a hundred years.