The FINANCIAL -- INDIANAPOLIS, September 13, 2011 -- Eli Lilly and Company announced today a $30 million commitment over five years to fight the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in developing nations.

Lilly is launching The Lilly NCD Partnership, which combines the company's unique resources with the expertise of leading global health organizations, to identify new models of patient care that increase treatment access and improve outcomes for underserved people. The partnership will initially focus on diabetes - a core business area in which Lilly has deep expertise.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), known as chronic diseases, include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases. The first phase of The Lilly NCD Partnership will focus on improving diabetes care in targeted communities in Brazil, India, Mexico and South Africa.

"Non-communicable diseases are afflicting nations, communities and families around the world, with the most vulnerable bearing most of the burden," said John C. Lechleiter, Ph.D., Lilly chairman, president, and chief executive officer. "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."

Lilly and its partners continue to develop country-specific programs that will launch in early 2012. Lilly and its partners will develop country-specific milestones that, if achieved, will trigger future investments. Partners include:

- Brazil: Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein - Diagnostic &

  Preventive Medicine and Research Institute

  - India: The Public Health Foundation of India, Project HOPE,

  Population Services International

  - Mexico: The Carlos Slim Health Institute - Casalud

  - South Africa: The Donald Woods Foundation, Project HOPE

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