Lilly Touts Cymbalta Success Amid Patent Expiration

Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE: LLY) is highlighting the success of Cymbalta as it loses U.S. patent protection today for the antidepressant. The company says Cymbalta sales continue to grow throughout the world. Lilly estimates 60 million people in more than 100 countries have been treated with the anti-depressant. It also says Cymbalta is one of two drugs in company history to pass $4 billion in sales in a single year, allowing investment in other potential treatments. Lilly estimates 60 million people in more than 100 countries have been treated with Cymbalta.

The blockbuster accounted for 22 percent of Lilly revenue last year.

In its most recent earnings report, the company reports third quarter U.S. sales of Cymbalta were more than $1 billion, an increase of 15 percent compared to the same period a year earlier.

The company estimates fourth quarter sales will be around $500 million due to the loss of patent exclusivity.

Source: Eli Lilly and Co.