Ralph Alvarez
                          Lilly Corporate Center
                       Indianapolis, Indiana 46285


Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549


Authorization Regarding Reporting Forms


I hereby authorize and designate the following persons to sign and file
with the Commission on my behalf Forms 3, 4, and 5 covering my transactions
and holdings in the common stock and other equity securities of
Eli Lilly and Company as required by Section 16 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 and the rules thereunder:


	Robert A. Armitage, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
	James B. Lootens, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
	Bronwen L. Mantlo, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana

This authorization and designation shall remain in effect until a written
revocation is signed by me and provided to the Commission.



					Ralph Alvarez
March 21, 2009