Lilly invests in partnership to fight NCDs

INDIANAPOLIS — Drug maker Eli Lilly is investing $30 million in a partnership that will address noncommunicable diseases, also known as chronic diseases.

The Lilly NCD Partnership is committed to fight the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases in developing nations over the next five years, the drug maker said. The first phase of the partnership will focus on improving diabetes care in targeted communities in Brazil, India, Mexico and South Africa.

Chronic diseases disproportionately affect the economically disadvantaged, with 80% of all NCD deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries, Lilly said.

"Noncommunicable diseases are afflicting nations, communities and families around the world, with the most vulnerable bearing most of the burden," Lilly chairman, president and CEO John Lechleiter said. "We believe we have a responsibility — and are uniquely positioned — to assist in the global fight against these diseases. In partnership with leading health organizations, Lilly will contribute its deep expertise and the company's broad research capabilities to help find solutions for these pressing societal needs."

The Lilly NCD Partnership, the drug maker said, complement the Lilly MDR-TB Partnership, a program the company launched in 2003 to help address multidrug resistant tuberculosis.