Lilly CEO: Pipeline to soften patent losses

Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) is looking to its pipeline to fill the gaps left by a number of high-profile drugs comping off patent. In October 2011, blockbuster Zyprexa will fall to generic competition; additionally, about three-quarters of Lilly's current revenue comes from eight drugs that will lose patent protection between now and 2017. "We have the challenge of replenishing our product portfolio from our pipeline," says CEO John Lechleiter (photo) in a USA Today interview....

Lilly buys Alnara for undisclosed sum

Alnara Pharmaceuticals has inked a deal to merge with Eli Lilly for an undisclosed sum. The Cambridge, MA-based developer's lead product is liprotamase, a therapy under FDA review for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. The condition is the result of several diseases, including cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis and pancreatectomy. Alnara says that, if approved, liprotamase will allow many patients to use fewer pills compared with current therapies on the...

Westphal grabs reins at GSK’s SR One, founds new venture group

Christoph Westphal is adding a new chapter to his story as a prime mover-and-shaker in biotech circles. Xconomy reports that Westphal has resigned as CEO of Sirtris, a high-profile developer in Cambridge acquired by GlaxoSmithKline, to take over as head of GSK's biopharma investment arm--SR One. He's also resigning as senior vice president of GSK's Center of Excellence for External Drug Discovery, handing that job to another Sirtris veteran, the 33-year-old Michelle Dipp, who will now play...