Lilly settles Mississippi lawsuit for more than $18 million

JACKSON, Miss.—Eli Lilly & Co. will pay $18.5 million toend Mississippi's case against it for promotional claims related to theanti-psychotic drug Zyprexa, according to an announcement made by stateAttorney General Jim Hood at the end of January. Under the settlement, Lillyagreed to curb marketing activities and payments to healthcare professionalsfor non-approved uses Zyprexa, which is approved for the treatment of bipolardisorders. Lilly had been accused of promoting the drug for any kind ofdepression. In the 23-page settlement, Lilly did not admit that it violated anystate consumer protection laws and said it had not committed any "liability,fault or wrongdoing." The agreement with the Attorney General's Office does notprotect Lilly from criminal allegations.