Drug tester commits suicide

A 19-year old woman who had been taking part in a clinical trial of a new Eli Lilly and Co. drug was found dead of an apparent suicide in a Lilly research lab at University Hospital at the IU Medical School in Indianapolis.\nIU spokesman Bill Stephan said the woman was not a student, but was participating in a drug testing program being managed by Eli Lilly. Stephan said although IU wasn't involved with the program, it's always unfortunate when something so tragic occurs. \n"I think any time you have a loss of life under circumstances such as this, it's very tragic," he said. "Certainly, the University community is saddened by the loss. But, we're trying to learn more about the circumstances and the background, and I'm sure we will in the days to come."\nThe drug testing was being conducted on a floor of the hospital managed by Eli Lilly and Co., Stephan said. A toxicology test will reveal whether the drug contributed to the suicide, with results in about a month. \nLilly officials told The Associated Press they do not believe the drug was linked to the suicide. The company conducted monitoring of other study participants as a precaution.\nCity police said they believe the victim hung herself Saturday night by tying a scarf to a bathroom shower rod in the outpatient clinic where she was staying.\nIndianapolis-based Lilly is testing a chemical compound called duloxetine as the main ingredient in both Cymbalta, an anti-depressant, and another Lilly drug to treat stress urinary incontinence. Lilly has submitted both medications for review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and has said it expects both to win approval this year.\nThe Associated Press contributed to this story.