INDIANAPOLIS - A new agreement under which Eli Lilly and Company will provide up to $40 million to Indiana University aims to expand access to clinical trials in Indiana, giving patients a critical pathway to Lilly's latest investigational and innovative medicines while surrounding them with exceptional care. The agreement builds on a decades-long partnership between the two entities and focuses on creating a best-in-class system for clinical trial innovation, strengthening Alzheimer's disease clinical care and research, and developing the future scientific and clinical talent for Indiana's growing life sciences sector.
The five-year agreement leverages IU's research and clinical expertise along with Lilly's leadership in biopharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing. Together, the organizations aim to advance discovery and care for Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, cancer, and cell and gene therapy while fueling growth in Indiana's $99 billion life sciences industry.
"Indiana has everything it takes to build a best-in-class system for clinical trial innovation: world-leading science, statewide health systems that reach patients where they are and a community that believes in turning discovery into better care," said David A. Ricks, chair and CEO of Lilly. "Partnering with IU under Pam Whitten's leadership, we can accelerate progress by removing barriers, enrolling patients faster and delivering life-changing medicines sooner. Our goal is to transform clinical research, advancing science and improving care for Hoosiers while setting a standard that reaches far beyond our state. In doing so, Indiana strengthens its role as a global life sciences leader and expands access to innovation that benefits patients everywhere."
"This agreement marks a new chapter for Indiana University and how we work with industry partners - moving with speed, purpose and a focus on real-world outcomes," said Pamela Whitten, president of Indiana University. "Together with Lilly, we're investing in Indiana's innovation ecosystem, building a platform that advances cutting-edge research and care and preparing students to lead in tomorrow's industries. It's a win for our university, our state and, most importantly, the patients and communities we serve."
The IU portion of the partnership will be led by the IU Launch Accelerator for Biosciences, known as IU LAB, IU's central engine for academic-industry collaboration. Building on significant investments in bioscience expertise and clinical trial delivery in recent years, IU and Lilly will concentrate on these key areas:
- Developing a best-in-class, AI-enabled clinical trial infrastructure and operating model focused on delivering trials in chronically prevalent diseases and oncology. The initiative aims to enhance clinical trial design, improve patient recruitment and boost operational efficiency. IU will begin by leveraging IU Health's extensive provider and patient network, then expand its reach by partnering with additional health systems across the state. Over time, this approach could accelerate the translation of discovery into new therapies and strengthen Indiana's role as a leader in high-quality, patient-centered clinical research.
- Accelerating access to neurological health resources for patients across Indiana, with an initial focus on Alzheimer's disease. Building on IU's strengths in neuroscience and clinical research and Lilly's global leadership in Alzheimer's innovation, the partnership aims to explore new approaches to diagnostics, treatment, and patient and family engagement.
- Cultivating a pipeline of skilled, diverse and job-ready talent to meet Lilly's evolving workforce needs and that of Indiana's life sciences sector. IU and Lilly plan to co-develop programs that upskill current professionals and prepare IU students for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research and clinical innovation. Through IU, students and researchers will gain real-world experience within Lilly's research, development and manufacturing environments.
"This expanded partnership marks an exciting step forward for IU and how we engage with partners in mutually beneficial ways," IU LAB President and CEO David Rosenberg said. "Together, IU and Lilly will build the research capacity, talent and infrastructure that will accelerate scientific discovery, advance the care of Hoosiers, drive economic growth and solidify Indiana's position as a national leader in the life sciences."
This is the initial phase of a five-year partnership that IU and Lilly are prepared to expand as early projects demonstrate success. The agreement builds on existing IU-Lilly collaborations while providing a structure for future projects that supports both organizations' research priorities and the needs of Indiana's life sciences industry.
What they're saying:
Dennis Murphy, president and CEO of IU Health: "IU Health is excited to be part of this initiative because of the impact it will have on our patients. IU and Lilly partnering together means that our patients will have even more access to life-saving breakthroughs that our state's best researchers are advancing every day."
Dr. Jay Hess, executive vice president for university clinical affairs and dean of the IU School of Medicine: "This partnership builds on the IU School of Medicine's strengths in clinical trial research, and we are thrilled to work with Lilly to establish Indiana as a leader in clinical trial innovation. Our students will gain valuable learning opportunities through this partnership that will have lasting impacts on the health of our communities."
Russell J. Mumper, IU vice president for research: "Strategic research partnerships between academia and industry are critical to driving scientific discoveries and economic impact across Indiana and beyond. This partnership combines IU's extensive research strengths with the leadership of one of our state's top employers to drive real-world change that will improve the lives of Hoosiers, while at the same time providing highly differentiating training and career opportunities for IU students."
Kristin Jones, president and CEO, Indiana Life Sciences Association: "This collaboration between Eli Lilly and Indiana University marks a pivotal step in strengthening Indiana's clinical research infrastructure. It's a testament to our state's leadership in life sciences and our shared commitment to accelerating innovation that improves patient outcomes."
Melina Kennedy, CEO, Central Indiana Community Partnership: "By bringing together the scientific leadership of Indiana University, the clinical excellence of IU Health and the innovation strength of Eli Lilly and Company, Indiana has the opportunity to build a best-in-class clinical trials ecosystem that accelerates discovery, expands access for patients and strengthens our state's position as a global leader in life-changing research."
