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Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks on M&A, AI, and the Search for the Next Big Drug
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CNBC TV18•02-10-2026, 09:00
Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks on M&A, AI, and the Search for the Next Big Drug
- •Eli Lilly plans to be more acquisitive, seeking external innovation to sustain growth and mitigate the risk of lacking breakthrough inventions.
- •CEO David Ricks highlighted India's growing importance, aiming for it to be among Lilly's top five geographies, driven by products like Mounjaro.
- •Lilly is expanding India's role in global manufacturing and innovation, working with Indian suppliers and developing its Hyderabad tech center for AI initiatives.
- •Ricks noted AI's current use in testing and manufacturing, but stated it's not yet capable of independently discovering new drugs, requiring more data generation.
- •Future breakthrough areas for Lilly include neuroscience, women's health, and vaccines targeting viruses linked to chronic diseases.
