On March 23, 2020, Eli Lilly and Company provided an update on the company's clinical trial activities in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company will delay most new study starts and pause enrollment in most ongoing studies. Lilly is continuing ongoing clinical trials for patients who are already enrolled.

"Lilly is working hard to alleviate some of the pressure that the global COVID-19 pandemic has placed on our healthcare system. We have repurposed our laboratories to conduct diagnostic testing for patients and we are researching potential therapeutics,” said Tim Garnett, MBBS, chief medical officer at Lilly, in a company press release. “In the interest of helping to ensure patient safety and minimizing further stress on the system, Lilly has also decided to take several proactive steps in regard to our clinical trial activities around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. By delaying most new study starts and pausing enrollment of new patients or healthy volunteers in most ongoing studies, we hope to ease the burden on participating healthcare facilities and allow physicians to focus more of their efforts on combatting COVID-19."

Garnett also stated that the company recognizes that for patients already enrolled in clinical trials, discontinuation would disrupt their treatment and potentially diminish the value of the clinical research. As a result, Lilly will maintain ongoing studies with study-by-study consideration.

The company advises that study participants currently enrolled in clinical trials continue following study protocols and should speak with their physician if they have any concerns.