China is now the world's third-largest pharmaceutical market and is expected to become the second-largest by 2016.

Chinese people spent $926 billion on medication last year. The compound annual growth rate of the market was more than 20 percent from 2005 to 2013 and forecast to be 12 percent by 2020, according to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Currently Lilly has 13 potential new medicines in third-phase testing and wants to launch the products at the beginning of next year. In total, it has nearly 70 compounds in various development stages.

Regarding foreign counterparts, such as Sanofi SA in the diabetes sector and Pfizer Inc in cancer treatment, Lilly has rich experience competing against them in the international market.

Lechleiter, as both company chief and industry leader, has much work to do and tasks to implement. However, he added: "In my life, perfect happiness is sitting on the terrace of our home with my wife."

Q+A | John C. Lechleiter

How do you spend your weekends amid your busy schedule?

I generally spend my weekends with my wife and our family and occasionally we have dinner out with friends. The weekend for me is a time to rest and relax.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

I think over a long period of time I have contributed to Lilly's ability to discover and develop new medicines.

I think that my greatest contribution has been staying the course on a strong commitment to R&D during some very difficult years for our company. That's what I'm proud of.

What are your hobbies?

I like tense sporting events - NBA basketball, football. I like playing golf and I like to read.