Another pharma MNC calls it quits.

ISLAMABAD -- Eli Lilly Pakistan, the maker of Humalog medical insulin used to treat diabetes, has decided to close its Pakistan operations at a time when the pharmaceutical industry says it has become increasingly difficult to survive amid rising product costs.

In a letter written to doctors and seen by Dawn, the US-based company said it was ceasing its promotional efforts in Pakistan as of Nov 9.

However, it added: 'We remain committed to helping patients who need our medicines; and therefore, Lilly will continue to make our products available in Pakistan through our distributor.'

Ayesha Tammy Haq, executive director of the Pharma Bureau, a body representing multinational pharmaceuticals in Pakistan, regretted that the company's new and improved products might not be available for patients in Pakistan in future.

Eli Lilly ceases 'promotional efforts' in Pakistan; industry rep says at least two more firms considering leaving

'The company deals in insulin, which means diabetic patients will now be deprived of quality medicines,' Ms Haq told Dawn.

The number of multinational pharma companies in Pakistan had shrunk by more than half to 22 from 48 some two decades ago, she said, adding that another two or three firms had been considering leaving the country 'as it has...