INDIANAPOLIS, March 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today provided an update on the company's clinical trial activities in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company will delay most new study starts and pause enrollment in most ongoing studies. Lilly is continuing ongoing clinical trials for patients who are already enrolled.
The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially impacted the global healthcare delivery system, including the conduct of clinical trials. Many healthcare systems have had to restructure operations to prioritize caring for those suffering from COVID-19 and limit or cease other activities. The severe burden on healthcare systems caused by this pandemic has also impaired the ability of many research sites to start new studies or enroll new patients.
"Lilly is working hard to alleviate some of the pressure that the global COVID-19 pandemic has placed on our healthcare system. We have repurposed our laboratories to conduct diagnostic testing for patients and we are researching potential therapeutics. In the interest of helping to ensure patient safety and minimizing further stress on the system, Lilly has also decided to take several proactive steps in regard to our clinical trial activities around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Tim Garnett, M.B.B.S., Lilly's chief medical officer. "By delaying most new study starts and pausing enrollment of new patients or healthy volunteers in most ongoing studies, we hope to ease the burden on participating healthcare facilities and allow physicians to focus more of their efforts on combatting COVID-19."
Garnett continued, "At the same time, Lilly recognizes that for patients already enrolled in clinical trials, discontinuation would disrupt their treatment and potentially diminish the societal value of the research information to which they are contributing. Therefore, we will maintain ongoing studies, but with study-by-study consideration."
Study participants currently enrolled in Lilly clinical trials should continue following study protocols and are encouraged to speak with their physician if they have any concerns.
Financial and Operational Impact from COVID-19
At this time, Lilly does not anticipate a change to its 2020 financial guidance as a result of COVID-19. The company continues to take the steps necessary to maintain the supply of all of its medicines around the world. Lilly does not expect adjustments to the previously communicated timelines for ongoing late-stage studies, except for mirikizumab's gastrointestinal (GI) indications. The company continues to monitor all aspects of its business closely in regard to COVID-19.
About Eli Lilly and Company
Lilly is a global healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to create medicines that make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more about Lilly, please visit us at www.lilly.com. C-LLY
This release contains forward-looking statements regarding Lilly's clinical trial activities, financial guidance, product supply, and COVID-19. These statements are based on management's current expectations, but actual results may differ materially. Other risk factors that may affect the company's results can be found in the company's latest Forms 10-K and 10-Q filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Lilly undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements.
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SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company
