Lilly Wins EU’s OK for Sepsis Treatment

Eli Lilly & Co. said it won European Union approval for Xigris, the first drug designed for a sometimes fatal overreaction to infection known as sepsis.

Lilly won U.S. approval of Xigris last year. First-half Xigris sales were $44.6 million. In April, the Indianapolis-based company cut its 2002 and 2003 profit forecasts, in part because of disappointing sales of Xigris.

Lilly wouldn’t reveal its European sales estimates for Xigris, a company spokeswoman said.

Lilly shares rose 8 cents to $59.65 on the NYSE.