Lilly and Indiana University Forge Historic $40 Million Partnership to Revolutionize Clinical Trials and Expand Access to Cutting-Edge Therapies for Hoosiers
Eli Lilly and Company and Indiana University (IU) have announced a transformative five-year partnership valued at up to $40 million. The agreement—deepening a decades-long alliance between two of the state’s most influential institutions—aims to dramatically expand access to clinical trials for Hoosiers, accelerate the delivery of investigational and breakthrough medicines, and build a world-class infrastructure for clinical research across the state.
At its core, this collaboration represents a bold vision: to ensure that patients across Indiana—whether in urban centers or rural communities—can benefit from the latest advances in medicine without having to leave the state. By combining IU’s vast clinical and research capabilities with Lilly’s global leadership in biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing, the partnership will focus on four critical therapeutic areas: Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, cancer, and cell and gene therapy. These diseases collectively affect millions of Americans and represent some of the most pressing public health challenges of our time.
“This is not just an investment in research,” said David A. Ricks, Chair and CEO of Eli Lilly and Company. “It’s an investment in people—patients, families, caregivers, and communities. 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.”
Ricks emphasized that the partnership is designed to dismantle traditional barriers in clinical research—such as slow patient recruitment, geographic inequities in trial access, and fragmented data systems—by building a more agile, patient-centered, and technologically advanced clinical trial ecosystem. “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 added.
IU President Pamela Whitten echoed this sentiment, framing the agreement as a new chapter in the university’s mission to drive real-world impact. “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.”
Building a 21st-Century Clinical Trial Infrastructure
Central to the partnership is the development of a next-generation clinical trial infrastructure powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and embedded within Indiana’s existing healthcare networks. The initiative will be spearheaded by the IU Launch Accelerator for Biosciences (IU LAB), IU’s flagship engine for academic-industry collaboration. IU LAB will work closely with IU Health—the state’s largest healthcare system—and expand collaborations with other regional health providers to create a seamless, statewide clinical trial network.
This AI-enabled platform will focus initially on high-burden conditions such as oncology and chronic diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer’s. By leveraging predictive analytics, digital health tools, and real-time data integration, the system aims to streamline trial design, identify eligible patients faster, reduce administrative burdens, and improve retention rates—all while prioritizing equity and accessibility.
“Too often, clinical trials are concentrated in academic medical centers on the coasts, leaving patients in the Midwest—and especially in rural areas—without access to potentially life-saving therapies,” said Dr. Jay Hess, Executive Vice President for University Clinical Affairs and Dean of the IU School of Medicine. “This partnership flips that model on its head. We’re bringing trials to the people, not the other way around.”
Accelerating Breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s Disease
One of the partnership’s most urgent priorities is transforming the landscape of Alzheimer’s care and research in Indiana—a state with a rapidly aging population and among the highest projected increases in Alzheimer’s cases nationwide. Building on IU’s nationally recognized neuroscience research and Lilly’s pioneering work in Alzheimer’s therapeutics (including the recent FDA approval of donanemab), the collaboration will explore integrated approaches to early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term support for patients and families.
Plans include expanding access to cognitive screening, deploying novel biomarker testing, and creating community-based support networks that address the psychosocial dimensions of the disease. The goal is not only to test new drugs but to reimagine the entire patient journey—from awareness to intervention to ongoing care.
“Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect the individual—it impacts entire families and communities,” said Russell J. Mumper, IU Vice President for Research. “By uniting Lilly’s drug development expertise with IU’s deep community ties and clinical infrastructure, we can create a holistic model that other states will look to as a blueprint.”
Cultivating Indiana’s Life Sciences Talent Pipeline
Beyond research and patient care, the partnership places a strong emphasis on workforce development. Indiana’s life sciences sector—already a $99 billion economic engine—faces growing demand for skilled professionals in biotech, clinical research, data science, regulatory affairs, and advanced manufacturing. To meet this need, IU and Lilly will co-design educational and training programs that prepare students for high-demand careers while upskilling current professionals.
These initiatives will span undergraduate and graduate curricula, internships, fellowships, and experiential learning opportunities within both IU’s labs and Lilly’s research and manufacturing facilities. Students will gain hands-on experience in drug development, clinical operations, and translational science—skills that are increasingly critical in a rapidly evolving industry.
“This isn’t just about filling jobs,” said David Rosenberg, President and CEO of IU LAB. “It’s about building a diverse, future-ready workforce that reflects the communities we serve. When Hoosier students see a clear pathway from the classroom to a career in life sciences—right here in Indiana—they’re more likely to stay, contribute, and lead.”
A Model for National and Global Impact
While rooted in Indiana, the implications of this partnership extend far beyond state lines. As clinical trial inefficiencies plague the global drug development process—contributing to delays, high costs, and patient exclusion—this collaboration offers a replicable model for how academia, industry, and healthcare systems can align to drive faster, fairer, and more effective innovation.
Leaders across Indiana’s innovation ecosystem have hailed the agreement as a catalyst for broader economic and scientific advancement. “This collaboration between Lilly and Indiana University marks a pivotal step in strengthening Indiana’s clinical research infrastructure,” said Kristin Jones, President and CEO of the Indiana Life Sciences Association. “It’s a testament to our state’s leadership in life sciences and our shared commitment to accelerating innovation that improves patient outcomes.”
Melina Kennedy, CEO of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, added: “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 $40 million commitment represents the initial phase of a dynamic, performance-driven partnership. As early pilot projects demonstrate success—particularly in patient enrollment speed, trial diversity, and therapeutic breakthroughs—the scope and scale of the collaboration are expected to grow. Both organizations have expressed a shared commitment to transparency, equity, and measurable impact.
In an era when access to innovation often determines health outcomes, this partnership ensures that Hoosiers won’t be left behind. Instead, Indiana is positioning itself not just as a participant in the future of medicine—but as a leader shaping it. As Ricks aptly summarized: “When discovery meets delivery, patients win. And that’s what this is all about.”
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