Lilly Focuses On China R&D Instead Of M&A

U.S.-based Eli Lilly is counting on China as the best example of fast-growing health care markets. It is betting on that belief by focusing on research and development in the country instead of making mergers and acquisitions, a practice of many of its competitors. Global CEO John Lechleiter said the company intends to take advantage of the rapid growth in emerging markets, particularly China where the huge population is aging and becoming more wealthy. Lilly plans to launch 15 drugs in China over the next five years and invest 20 percent of revenue in R&D, about five percent more than typical of other pharmaceuticals. (Click here for more