Exclusive: Lechleiter on Surgery, Lilly Future

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As Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE: LLY) continues to navigate through one of its most challenging periods ever, Chief Executive Officer John Lechleiter says employees should remain confident in the future of the company. But Lechleiter, who recently returned to work after undergoing heart surgery in May, acknowledges additional patent expirations will make 2014 another difficult year. In an exclusive interview that will air this weekend on Inside INdiana Business Television, he says, despite continuing challenges, Lilly has “a bright future.” While 2013 is shaping up as a potentially good year for Lilly, the company faces the loss of patent protection for its top-selling Cymbalta in December, and Evista next year.

That means 2014 is shaping up as a “tough year” for Lilly, which continues to bet on its pipeline to deliver better news in 2015 and beyond.

Lechleiter temporarily stepped down in May to undergo major heart surgery. He returned to work early last month.

In an exclusive interview with Gerry Dick that will air this weekend on Inside INdiana Business television, Lechleiter talks about his medical challenges and challenges facing the company.

Last month, Lilly reported net income for the second quarter increased by 31 percent over the same period a year earlier. The company also raised its full year 2013 guidance

Source: Inside INdiana Business