ELY LILLY - Good year?

Lauren Ellerman

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This morning the Wall Street Journal reports ("Eli Lilly Sales Exceed Forecast By PETER LOFTUS)
"Eli Lilly & Co. reported that fourth-quarter profit soared, as increased sales of drugs for mental illness and cancer helped boost revenue above expectations."

"For now, Lilly seems to be free of some of the problems that are plaguing other pharmaceutical companies, such as generic competition for top drugs and major setbacks in developing new drugs."

I tell you what - I think it is sad that you make more money, when people are sicker. Seriously, if your good year is based on the fact more people are fighting cancer, and severe mental illness - I am not so sure that is cause for celebration.

Bottom line - medications are tricky. SOME (not all) physicians are influenced by pharm reps - and prescribe drugs because they like the company, not because it is best for each individual patient. We see it all the time - drugs given to patients with known allergies, why? Because no one looked at the file, and because the drug rep had just been in the office. Be careful folks, and always ask why one medication over the other.