Indiana University and Eli Lilly and Company have entered a five-year agreement that will provide up to $40 million from Lilly to IU, with the goal of expanding access to clinical trials across Indiana. The partnership is designed to offer patients greater opportunities to participate in trials for new investigational medicines, while also supporting care delivery.
The collaboration aims to create a leading system for clinical trial innovation, focusing on areas such as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, cancer, and cell and gene therapy. Both organizations intend to support Indiana’s life sciences industry, which is valued at $99 billion.
David A. Ricks, chair and CEO of Lilly, stated: “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. 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.”
Pamela Whitten, president of Indiana University, commented: “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. 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 Launch Accelerator for Biosciences (IU LAB) will lead IU’s efforts in this partnership. Plans include developing an AI-enabled infrastructure for clinical trials targeting chronic diseases and oncology; increasing access to neurological health resources beginning with Alzheimer’s disease; and creating educational programs aimed at preparing students for careers in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research.
David Rosenberg, president and CEO of IU LAB said: “This expanded partnership marks an exciting step forward for IU and how we engage with partners in mutually beneficial ways. 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.”
IU Health will also be involved by leveraging its provider network initially before expanding partnerships statewide.
Dennis Murphy of IU Health said: “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 from the IU School of Medicine added: “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 noted: “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 from the Indiana Life Sciences Association remarked: “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 from Central Indiana Community Partnership stated: “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.”