Eli Lilly and Company, US, improved its performance during the third quarter ended September 2005 on account of higher contributions by newer products. The company's sales increased by 10 per cent to $3,601 million and net profit increased by 5 per cent to $ 794 million from $ 755 million in the corresponding period of last year. New products like Alimata, Cialis, Cymbalta, Forteo, Strattera, Symbyax, Xigris and Yentreve contributed $ 652 million to third-quarter sales and accounted for 18 per cent to total sales compared to 12 in last period.

Cymbalta, which launched in the US in late August 2004 for the treatment of major depressive disorder and in September 2004 for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, has achieved sales of 545 million in US since its launch. Sales of Zyprexa brand amounted to $ 1035 million. The company announced positive results for Arxxant for the treatment of patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Research and development expenses worked out to 21 per cent of sales at $ 751 million for the third quarter. Compared with the third quarter of 2004, R&D expenses increased by 15 per cent. This increase was primarily due to increased incentive compensation and benefits expenses, increased clinical trial and development expenses, increased clinical trial and development expenses.

Sidney Taurel, Lilly chairman and CEO said, "We are pleased that the products in our pipeline continue to progress through development, while at the same time our newer products grow as a percentage of our total sales. These achievements reinforce the continued strength of our product portfolio and position us well to continue to lead the industry in innovative new treatments."