Here's one bright spot today: Eli Lilly predicts a big year in 2008, with 14 percent growth in net profits and seven billion-dollar-plus products. Higher sales of drugs for depression (Cymbalta [1]), diabetes (Byetta [2] and Humalog), cancer (Alimta), and ED (tadalafil) will account for much of that growth. Lilly also says it's hoping to launch pasugrel, its anti-clotting drug candidate designed to prevent recurrent heart attacks and strokes, in 2008.

In its latest forecast, the company also affirmed its 2007 expectations of $3.50 to $3.55 in earnings per share, excluding special charges. For 2008? It's predicting $3.85 to $4 per share, above analysts' previous expectations of $3.81 per share. The dark cloud in all this news, at least for Lilly's workforce, is that the earnings growth depends in part on increased productivity--and that includes an unspecified number job cuts.

- check out the release [3] from Eli Lilly
- read the report [4] from Dow Jones

ALSO: Take a look at Lilly's pipeline. Report [5]

Related Articles:
Doubters see big obstacles for Lilly's Prasrugel. Report [6]
In speech, Lilly CEO calls for drug monitoring. Report [7]
Lilly CEO: Use IT to boost drug safety. Report [8]