Lilly completes acquisition of Avid

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Avid Radiopharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately held company developing novel molecular imaging compounds intended for the detection and monitoring of chronic human diseases. The transaction, first announced on November 8, 2010, has received the approval of Avid stockholders and clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. All other closing conditions have also been met.

Under the terms of the definitive merger agreement, Lilly acquired all outstanding shares of Avid for an upfront payment of $300 million, subject to adjustment based on existing cash on hand at closing. Avid stockholders will also be eligible for up to $500 million in additional payments contingent upon potential future regulatory and commercial milestones for florbetapir. The impact of the acquisition will be reflected in Lilly's fourth quarter 2010 financial statements, but is not expected to be material.

Lilly and Avid are also pleased to announce that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has assigned priority review designation to the marketing application for florbetapir, Avid's lead program in development. Florbetapir is a molecular imaging agent under investigation for detecting the presence of amyloid plaque in the brain. Beta-amyloid plaque is a defining pathology of Alzheimer's disease. The Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee of the FDA will hold a meeting to discuss florbetapir's new drug application on January 20, 2011.