Lilly to Pay $36 Million on Marketing Claims

Eli Lilly & Co. agreed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor and pay $36 million to settle criminal and civil complaints over the marketing of its Evista osteoporosis drug for unapproved uses.

The settlement was reached with the Justice Department and the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of Indiana.

The government said Evista, with 2004 sales of $1.01 billion, was promoted for breast cancer prevention and reduction in cardiovascular risks.

Lilly shares fell 2 cents to $57.