Eli Lilly Co. to enter companion-animal market segment

ORLANDO, FLA. — Eli Lilly Co. is entering the companion-animal segment, contributing $250,000 to Purdue's Center for the Human-Animal Bond to show its commitment to veterinary medicine, company officials say.

The announcement came at a Lilly lectureship at the North American Veterinary Conference featuring noted author and anthropologist, Elizabeth Marshall Thomas.

Lilly's endowment is aimed at supporting "veterinarians' understanding of physiological, psychological and sociological aspects of the human-pet bond" through an annual lecture series.

Eric Graves, director of companion-animal health for Lilly, tells DVM Newsmagazine the endowment was a way the company could celebrate the formation of its new business unit focused on the companion-animal segment and help to foster human-animal relationships.

Eli Lilly's entrance into companion-animal medicine follows its 130-year history as a maker of human medicines and agricultural products through Elanco Animal Health.

"Supporting the role of veterinarians and enabling them to help pets is at the heart of everything Lilly will do. We intend to become one of companion-animal veterinarians' most-trusted and valued partners," officials said.

The first of the company's product introductions is expected sometime this year.