Eli Lilly & Co (LLY.N) forecast a steeper-than-expected decline in profit for 2012, the first full year without exclusive rights to its big-selling Zyprexa schizophrenia treatment. Shares fell 3.5 percent after Lilly announced its forecast on Thursday. The drugmaker projected earnings in the range of $3.10 per share to $3.20 per share for 2012. For 2011, Lilly said it expects to meet or exceed its profit forecast of $4.30 per share to $4.35 per share, excluding items. Including items, Lilly sees 2011 earnings per share of $3.84 to $3.89.
