Indianapolis, Indiana – Indiana is poised to become an even stronger hub for medical innovation following the announcement of a landmark partnership between Eli Lilly and Company and Indiana University (IU). Under a newly signed agreement, Lilly will provide up to $40 million over five years to expand access to clinical trials across the state. The collaboration promises Hoosiers a direct pathway to the company’s latest investigational medicines, while fostering top-tier care and supporting the growth of Indiana’s life sciences sector.
The agreement builds on a decades-long collaboration between IU and Lilly, which has focused on advancing medical research, developing talent, and translating scientific discovery into patient care. With this latest initiative, both organizations aim to create a best-in-class system for clinical trial innovation, strengthen Alzheimer’s disease research and care, and cultivate the next generation of scientific and clinical professionals in Indiana.
“Indiana has everything it takes to build a best-in-class system for clinical trial innovation: world-leading science, statewide health systems that reach patients where they are and a community that believes in turning discovery into better care,” said David A. Ricks, chair and CEO of Lilly. “Partnering with IU under Pam Whitten’s leadership, we can accelerate progress by removing barriers, enrolling patients faster and delivering life-changing medicines sooner. Our goal is to transform clinical research, advancing science and improving care for Hoosiers while setting a standard that reaches far beyond our state. In doing so, Indiana strengthens its role as a global life sciences leader and expands access to innovation that benefits patients everywhere.”
Pamela Whitten, president of Indiana University, emphasized the broader implications of the partnership. “This agreement marks a new chapter for Indiana University and how we work with industry partners — moving with speed, purpose and a focus on real-world outcomes,” Whitten said. “Together with Lilly, we’re investing in Indiana’s innovation ecosystem, building a platform that advances cutting-edge research and care and preparing students to lead in tomorrow’s industries. It’s a win for our university, our state and, most importantly, the patients and communities we serve.”
At the core of IU’s role in this collaboration is the IU Launch Accelerator for Biosciences, known as IU LAB. Serving as the university’s central engine for academic-industry collaboration, IU LAB will lead initiatives that leverage IU’s research and clinical expertise alongside Lilly’s leadership in biopharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing. The partnership focuses on several key areas, beginning with the development of an AI-enabled clinical trial infrastructure.
This initiative aims to improve clinical trial design, enhance patient recruitment, and optimize operational efficiency across multiple disease areas, including oncology and other chronic conditions. IU LAB will initially utilize IU Health’s extensive provider and patient network before expanding statewide through additional health system partnerships. By building this infrastructure, the partnership hopes to accelerate the translation of research discoveries into new therapies and further cement Indiana’s role as a leader in patient-centered clinical research.
Another focus of the partnership is accelerating access to neurological health resources, particularly for Alzheimer’s disease. Indiana University’s strengths in neuroscience and clinical research, combined with Lilly’s global expertise in Alzheimer’s innovation, will form the foundation for new approaches to diagnostics, treatments, and patient and family engagement. The collaboration aims to improve the overall care experience for patients, offering both cutting-edge treatment opportunities and enhanced support for families managing complex neurological conditions.
Beyond clinical research, the partnership also emphasizes workforce development. IU and Lilly plan to co-develop programs that upskill current professionals and prepare students for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, and clinical innovation. Through hands-on experiences, students and researchers at IU will gain exposure to real-world research, development, and manufacturing processes within Lilly’s operations. By cultivating a pipeline of skilled, diverse, and job-ready talent, the initiative addresses both immediate workforce needs and the long-term growth of Indiana’s $99 billion life sciences industry.
“This expanded partnership marks an exciting step forward for IU and how we engage with partners in mutually beneficial ways,” said David Rosenberg, president and CEO of IU LAB. “Together, IU and Lilly will build the research capacity, talent and infrastructure that will accelerate scientific discovery, advance the care of Hoosiers, drive economic growth and solidify Indiana’s position as a national leader in the life sciences.”
IU Health, which will play a critical role in deploying the partnership’s clinical initiatives, expressed enthusiasm for the potential patient impact. “IU Health is excited to be part of this initiative because of the impact it will have on our patients,” said Dennis Murphy, president and CEO of IU Health. “IU and Lilly partnering together means that our patients will have even more access to life-saving breakthroughs that our state’s best researchers are advancing every day.”
Faculty leaders at IU also highlighted the educational opportunities provided by the collaboration. Dr. Jay Hess, executive vice president for university clinical affairs and dean of the IU School of Medicine, noted, “This partnership builds on the IU School of Medicine’s strengths in clinical trial research, and we are thrilled to work with Lilly to establish Indiana as a leader in clinical trial innovation. Our students will gain valuable learning opportunities through this partnership that will have lasting impacts on the health of our communities.”
Research leadership echoed similar sentiments about the economic and scientific value of the partnership. Russell J. Mumper, IU vice president for research, said, “Strategic research partnerships between academia and industry are critical to driving scientific discoveries and economic impact across Indiana and beyond. This partnership combines IU’s extensive research strengths with the leadership of one of our state’s top employers to drive real-world change that will improve the lives of Hoosiers, while at the same time providing highly differentiating training and career opportunities for IU students.”
The Indiana Life Sciences Association also weighed in, underscoring the broader industry significance of the agreement. Kristin Jones, president and CEO of the association, said, “This collaboration between Eli Lilly and Indiana University marks a pivotal step in strengthening Indiana’s clinical research infrastructure. It’s a testament to our state’s leadership in life sciences and our shared commitment to accelerating innovation that improves patient outcomes.”
Community stakeholders emphasized the long-term impact on the state as a whole. Melina Kennedy, CEO of the Central Indiana Community Partnership, noted, “By bringing together the scientific leadership of Indiana University, the clinical excellence of IU Health and the innovation strength of Eli Lilly and Company, Indiana has the opportunity to build a best-in-class clinical trials ecosystem that accelerates discovery, expands access for patients and strengthens our state’s position as a global leader in life-changing research.”
The five-year agreement represents an initial phase with significant potential for expansion. As early projects demonstrate success, IU and Lilly plan to broaden the scope of their collaboration, building on existing initiatives while introducing new programs that align with both organizations’ research priorities and Indiana’s growing life sciences sector.
Experts agree that such partnerships are critical to advancing both scientific and economic goals. By combining the research and clinical expertise of a major university with the innovation and resources of a leading biopharmaceutical company, Indiana stands to benefit on multiple fronts. Patients gain access to novel therapies and trials, students and professionals receive world-class training opportunities, and the state’s life sciences ecosystem is strengthened and positioned for global competitiveness.
David Ricks highlighted the broader vision, emphasizing that the partnership is not just about local benefits. “Our goal is to transform clinical research, advancing science and improving care for Hoosiers while setting a standard that reaches far beyond our state,” he said. The initiative is expected to serve as a model for other states looking to integrate academic research, clinical care, and industry innovation in ways that benefit both patients and local economies.
IU President Pamela Whitten stressed the importance of aligning research with real-world outcomes. “Moving with speed, purpose and a focus on real-world outcomes is essential for translating discovery into tangible benefits,” she said. The collaboration with Lilly provides a platform to implement this approach, allowing Indiana to lead not only in research and innovation but also in delivering measurable improvements in health care and community well-being.
From a patient perspective, the agreement promises greater access to treatments that may otherwise be unavailable, particularly for conditions such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, cancer, and advanced cell and gene therapies. By expanding trial participation and integrating research with care, patients across Indiana are positioned to benefit directly from the latest advances in medicine.
At the same time, the partnership offers a unique opportunity for workforce development. Students and early-career researchers will gain hands-on experience within Lilly’s research and manufacturing operations, fostering a highly skilled talent pool prepared to meet the evolving demands of the life sciences industry. This focus on talent cultivation is seen as essential for maintaining Indiana’s leadership in this sector and for supporting economic growth across the state.
In summary, the IU–Lilly partnership represents a multifaceted investment in Indiana’s future. It leverages decades of experience, robust research infrastructure, and industry expertise to advance clinical trials, accelerate patient access to innovative treatments, and nurture the next generation of biomedical talent. Through this agreement, Indiana is poised to strengthen its position as a national and global leader in life sciences while ensuring that patients, students, and communities reap the benefits of cutting-edge medical innovation.
As the collaboration unfolds, stakeholders are optimistic that it will catalyze further investment, research breakthroughs, and educational opportunities, creating a ripple effect that benefits Hoosiers and the broader biomedical community for years to come. With its comprehensive approach to research, care, and talent development, the IU–Lilly partnership exemplifies how strategic collaboration between industry and academia can transform health care delivery and scientific discovery alike.
