The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, DC, has affirmed the US District Court's decision that upheld Eli Lilly and company's Zyprexa patent expiring in 2011. The appeals court heard oral arguments on April 6, 2006.

On April 14, 2005, in the case of Eli Lilly and company v. Zenith Goldline Pharmaceuticals et al., the US district court for the Southern district of Indiana ruled in favour of Lilly on all of the generic companies' patent challenges, including obviousness, double patenting, inequitable conduct, anticipation, and public use.

"Today's appeals court ruling not only affirms the validity of our patent, but upholds patent law that helps enable the significant investments required to develop the next generation of revolutionary medicines for the patients who need them," said Sidney Taurel, Lilly chairman and chief executive officer.

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations.