WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC) today announced that Eli Lilly and Company has joined the health care policy research organization as its newest member.

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly is working to address some of the world's most urgent medical needs.

Mark J. Nagy, Vice President, Global Patient Outcomes and Real World Evidence, will be the company's representative on the NPC board of directors.

"We welcome Lilly and Mark to NPC's board of directors and are looking forward to their participation in NPC's activities," said NPC President Dan Leonard. "With such a long and distinguished record for medical breakthrough and advancement, their point of view and experience will be an invaluable resource for NPC as we carry out our mission to educate decision-makers about the value of the research-based pharmaceutical industry to the health and well-being of Americans."

NPC is actively engaged in conducting health care policy research on topics such as the challenges of individual patient treatment effects, the utilization of real-world evidence and comparative effectiveness research, and understanding the role and value of pharmaceuticals within the current and evolving payment and delivery models.

"This is an important time in health care and an ideal time to be involved with NPC. With the full implementation of the Affordable Care Act, access to health care and medicines is becoming a reality for more Americans, while at the same time the personalization of drug treatments is beginning to become a reality. These changes are sparking new conversations and challenges, and I look forward to working with NPC to address them," said Mr. Nagy.

About the National Pharmaceutical Council

The National Pharmaceutical Council is a health policy research organization dedicated to the advancement of good evidence and science, and to fostering an environment in the United Sates that supports medical innovation. Founded in 1953 and supported by the nation's major research-based pharmaceutical companies, NPC focuses on research development, information dissemination, and education on the critical issues of evidence, innovation and the value of medicines for patients. For more information, visit www.npcnow.org and follow NPC on Twitter @npcnow.

SOURCE National Pharmaceutical Council