Lilly says FDA widens use of cancer drug Alimta

The drug maker said Alimta was approved as an initial treatment for the most common form of lung cancer in combination with a standard chemotherapy drug, cisplatin. Alimta was previously approved as a secondary treatment for non-small cell lung cancer, following chemotherapy, and as a treatment for malignant mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a disease of the cells lining the lungs, and is linked to asbestos exposure.

Late Friday, Lilly said the FDA has not completed its review of the company's blood thinning drug prasugrel.

In morning trading, shares of Eli Lilly fell $1.17, or 2.5 percent, to $45.65.