Lilly to discontinue development of evacetrapib for high-risk atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Phase III trial terminated due to insufficient efficacy.

The independent data monitoring committee based its recommendation on data from periodic data reviews, which suggested there was a low probability the study would achieve its primary endpoint based on results to date. The study is not being stopped for safety findings. After further analysis, results of the study will be presented in scientific forums in the future.

"We're obviously disappointed in this outcome, as we hoped that evacetrapib would offer an advance in treatment for people with high-risk cardiovascular disease. We'll be working with investigators to appropriately conclude these trials," said David Ricks, Lilly senior vice president and president of Lilly Bio-Medicines. "We remain confident in our pipeline as we prepare for launches in other therapeutic areas with significant unmet needs."

"This unfortunate outcome for evacetrapib does not change our ability to generate long-term growth," said Derica Rice, Lilly executive vice president and chief financial officer. "Our recent string of positive data-readouts and our strong pipeline position us to grow revenue and expand margins through the remainder of this decade."