Eli Lilly and Company produces medicines to meet patients' health care needs. We believe that it is critical for patients to have access to our products, which save and improve lives. Therefore, Lilly is committed to participating in the political process as a responsible corporate citizen to help inform the debates regarding health care and pharmaceutical innovation globally.
Through the various links at this site, Lilly's position on key issues as well as related business actions and ethical stances are made available.
Value of Pharmaceuticals
Lilly advocates policies that recognize the value of pharmaceuticals in treating patients and reducing total health care costs. In many instances, pharmaceuticals eliminate the need for surgery and hospitalization, slow or reverse the progress of a disease, prevent a disease from developing, and allow people to return to work sooner.
With the U.S., for example, devoting approximately 15 percent of its economy to health care (as measured by gross domestic product), there is increasing pressure to contain growth in these costs. Innovative and cost-effective pharmaceuticals are an important way to help contain overall health care costs. As a result, society benefits as health care solutions become more cost-effective and people live longer, healthier, and more active lives.
At Lilly, we believe that relying on the judgment of health care decision-makers who provide and pay for health care is the way to fully realize the value of pharmaceuticals. Excessive or inappropriate government regulations, including cost controls, stifle the innovation necessary to bring the next generation of lifesaving drugs to customers. Applying market principles to the health care system can ensure the delivery of high-quality, lower-cost health care by encouraging innovation and efficiency, which ultimately benefit patients.
Political Financial Support
Elected officials at all levels of government have an impact on public policy issues affecting Lilly. Where permitted by law, the company is committed to backing candidates of any party who support public policies that contribute to pharmaceutical innovation and the health needs of patients. Lilly employees in the United States may choose to make voluntary contributions to the Eli Lilly and Company Political Action Committee (PAC), an entity funded solely by employee contributions. Lilly PAC donations are made in accordance with its budget, determined annually by the Lilly PAC board. Lilly PAC support is divided equally between the federal and state levels and allocated among various candidates according to specific recommendations from the company's government affairs organization and employee PAC members.
Throughout these activities, we are committed to meeting or exceeding all laws and regulations that govern the manner in which we participate in the political process and interact with government officials and public international organizations. Additional details regarding our governance processes and specific contributions are available in our Report of Political Financial Support (PDF).
