In a statement, Sen. Kohl congratulated Lilly, saying the company was "fulfilling the obligations of the Physician Payments Sunshine Act before it has been enacted."
Merck began disclosing the grants to patient organizations, professional societies, and others for "independent professional education initiatives," which includes continuing medical education, in October.
Next year, it will include other grants made by the Merck Company Foundation and the Merck Office of Corporate Contributions.
The information will be posted on its Web site.
Beginning in 2009, the company will also start disclosing payments to physicians on its speakers bureau.