Cialis(R) (tadalafil) Reaches $1 Billion Global Sales Milestone

Main Category: Erectile Dysfunction / Premature Ejaculation
Article Date: 26 Jul 2005 - 0:00 PDT

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Lilly ICOS LLC, marketer of tadalafil (Cialis), a PDE5 inhibitor indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), announced today that the drug has achieved $1 billion in global sales since launching in Europe a little more than two years ago.

In January 2005, tadalafil became the leading ED treatment in France, a lead it has held through May, based on the latest market share data . It is also performing very well in other countries, including the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, United States, Canada, Australia, Mexico and Brazil.

"We are very pleased with the performance of Cialis and the steady development of the brand since its launch two years ago," said Rich Pilnik, President of Lilly's EMEA region. "Millions of men suffer from ED and the growth of the market demonstrates that patients are speaking to their healthcare providers about ED and seeking treatment options."

Tadalafil was the second PDE5 inhibitor drug to become available in Europe. It is currently marketed in approximately 100 countries including the United States, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Canada and across Europe and Asia.

"Passing the $1 billion mark is an important milestone for Lilly ICOS and a great accomplishment for the Cialis team" said Paul Clark, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ICOS Corporation. "Since 2003, men with erectile dysfunction have had a choice of oral treatments for their condition - a condition which may impact on relationships and daily life."

About ED

ED is defined as the consistent inability to attain and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. ED affects an estimated 189 million men worldwide . Experts believe that 80 percent to 90 percent of ED cases are related to a physical or medical condition, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and prostate cancer treatment, while 10 percent to 20 percent are due to psychological causes . In many cases, however, both psychological and physical factors contribute to the condition.

About Lilly ICOS LLC

Lilly ICOS LLC, a joint venture between ICOS Corporation and Eli Lilly and Company, developed Cialis for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. ICOS Corporation, a biotechnology company headquartered in Bothell, Washington, is dedicated to bringing innovative therapeutics to patients. ICOS is working to develop treatments for serious unmet medical conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, pulmonary arterial hypertension, cancer and inflammatory diseases. Additional information about ICOS is available at http://www.ICOS.com.

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation is developing a growing portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers - through medicines and information - for some of the world's most urgent medical needs.

Except for historical information contained herein, this press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industry, management beliefs and certain assumptions made by the management of ICOS and Lilly. Investors are cautioned that matters subject to forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including economic, competitive, governmental, technological, legal and other factors discussed in the two companies' respective filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which may affect the business and prospects of the two companies and Lilly ICOS. Results and the timing and outcome of events may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. More specifically, there can be no assurance that Cialis will achieve commercial success or that competing products will not pre-empt market opportunities that might exist for the product.

Jane Calloway, (Lilly), +1-317-651-5870
Lacy Fitzpatrick, (ICOS), +1-425-415-2207

lillymedia.com