Eli Lilly and Company has entered a five-year collaboration with Indiana University that will provide up to $40 million to expand clinical trial access across Indiana and help build a statewide clinical trial innovation ecosystem. The agreement, which extends a decades-long partnership between the two organizations, is centered on accelerating clinical trial delivery, advancing Alzheimer’s disease research, and strengthening the talent pipeline needed for Indiana’s growing life sciences sector.
The initiative combines IU’s clinical and research strengths with Lilly’s biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing capabilities. Joint efforts will focus on Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, cancer and emerging areas such as cell and gene therapy, while supporting a $99 billion life sciences industry that relies on timely research translation and skilled clinical operations.
“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.”
IU President Pamela Whitten described the partnership as part of a broader shift toward faster, outcome-driven work with industry. “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,” she 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.”
The collaboration will be led by the IU Launch Accelerator for Biosciences (IU LAB), the university’s central hub for academic–industry engagement. Early priorities include developing an AI-enabled infrastructure to support the clinical trial innovation ecosystem, beginning with IU Health’s statewide network before expanding to other health systems. IU Health President Dennis Murphy said the partnership will give patients broader access to new treatments and research opportunities across the state. The effort also includes plans to expand access to neurological care, initially focused on Alzheimer’s disease, where IU’s neuroscience programs and Lilly’s global portfolio closely align.
Workforce development is another core component. IU and Lilly intend to co-develop programs that equip students and working professionals for roles in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, and clinical operations. These initiatives will help broaden the talent base for trial execution and emerging therapeutic areas while giving students exposure to Lilly’s research, development, and manufacturing environments. Additional leaders across Indiana’s research community, including the IU School of Medicine and statewide life sciences organizations, have expressed support for the collaboration, noting its potential to strengthen research capacity and improve patient access to innovative care.
“This expanded partnership marks an exciting step forward for IU and how we engage with partners in mutually beneficial ways,” IU LAB President and CEO David Rosenberg said. “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.”
The agreement represents the first phase of a long-term strategy that both institutions expect to grow as early projects demonstrate progress, reinforcing Indiana’s emerging role as a hub for a modern clinical trial innovation ecosystem.
