Founded in 1876 in Indianapolis, Indiana, by Colonel Eli Lilly, a pharmaceutical chemist and Civil War veteran, the company has grown into one of the most established and influential names in the global pharmaceutical sector. Eli Lilly focuses on one business area: Human Pharmaceuticals.
A global player
Within this, it works in several key therapeutic areas, including endocrinology (diabetes and obesity), neuroscience, immunology, oncology and cardiovascular disease. Its medicines reach healthcare providers, hospitals, governments and wholesalers in more than 120 countries, with major markets in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.
The company operates in highly competitive markets, facing competition from multinational pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, as well as lower-cost generic and biosimilar manufacturers and compounders. Eli Lilly’s competitive positioning is supported by its strategic business development, strong R&D and manufacturing capabilities, differentiated drug portfolio and solid financial performance.
Life-changing treatments
Eli Lilly leads the way in medical innovation, developing transformative treatments that redefine patient care. The company’s portfolio targets the most pressing health challenges – conditions responsible for the majority of global mortality and morbidity.
Its groundbreaking therapies in diabetes, obesity, heart failure and kidney disease not only improve long-term health outcomes but also reduce healthcare system costs. Meanwhile, advancements in oncology and neurodegenerative diseases are expanding treatment options in historically underserved areas.
Beyond therapeutic breakthroughs, Eli Lilly strengthens its impact through:
- Sustained investment in high-risk scientific research to pioneer next-generation medicines.
- Large-scale manufacturing expansions to ensure reliable supply and global reach.
- Access and affordability programmes to improve healthcare equity.
- Strategic partnerships addressing critical threats like antimicrobial resistance.
Meaningful benefits
Together, these efforts position Eli Lilly as a company whose innovation strategy and medicines deliver meaningful benefits, advancing public health, medical progress and societal wellbeing.
With 100% of its revenue tied to healthcare, Eli Lilly is intrinsically linked to the Wellbeing transition. The company also contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
This dual contribution underscores Eli Lilly’s role in advancing health outcomes while reinforcing the broader stability and efficiency of healthcare systems – a critical factor for long-term value creation.
The company is part of several of our Impact Equities and Bond portfolios, including Triodos Global Equities Impact Fund and Triodos Euro Bond Impact Fund.