Eli Lilly and Company was founded by Colonel Eli Lilly in May 1876 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Lilly was one of the first companies to initiate a bonafide pharmaceutical research program. It has been in business for more than 135 years, ever since its establishment, it has pioneered medical breakthroughs such as human insulin, the polio vaccion and numerous other therapies. Its mission is to make medicines that help people live longer, healthier, and more active lives. The company has research and development facilities located in eight countries and it is conducting clinical research in more than fifty-five countries.