Eli Lilly and Company was founded in 1876.
Colonel Eli Lilly, a pharmaceutical chemist and Union army veteran, established the company in Indianapolis, Indiana, on May 10, 1876. He aimed to produce medicines with consistent strength and quality at a time when drug preparation could vary considerably between batches.
The company became known for scientific research, standardized manufacturing, and the use of formal quality controls. Its historical products included insulin, antibiotics, and medicines for several major disease areas. Eli Lilly remains headquartered in Indianapolis and operates internationally.
The founding date is sometimes confused with the dates of major product launches. Lilly introduced insulin in the 1920s after collaborating with researchers associated with the discovery of insulin, but that important medical milestone came decades after the company's 1876 founding.