On Aug. 24, 2004, Eli Lilly and Company launched Cymbalta (duloxetine HC), a new treatment for major depression available by prescription in the U.S. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Cymbalta, a balanced and potent selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI), on Aug. 3 for the treatment of major depression.