CINCINNATI, April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Kendle (Nasdaq: KNDL), a leading, global full-service clinical research organization (CRO), today announced Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Candace Kendle, PharmD, is the recipient of the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award for Innovation from the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. Presented by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, the Business Courier and CincyTech, the Innovation Awards celebrate innovative companies and people that show how new ideas can be developed into fuel for the Tri-State's economic engine. Dr. Kendle received her award at a reception held April 14 in Cincinnati.

"I am honored and truly humbled to receive this lifetime achievement award from my peers," said Dr. Kendle. "Kendle is a global company, but Cincinnati is its home. I'm proud to have co-founded and developed a successful business in my hometown that over the past 30 years has contributed to the development of life-saving and life-enhancing therapies for millions of patients worldwide - including those here at home. Cincinnati has quietly become a center of excellence in the biopharmaceutical and high-tech medical industries, and I'm so pleased to have contributed to this important infrastructure within our local economy."

Dr. Kendle co-founded Kendle in 1981 with Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Christopher Bergen. Under her leadership, Kendle has advanced from a small consulting business to one of the largest global Phase I-IV clinical research organizations today with offices in 31 countries across North America, Europe, Asia/Pacific, Latin America and Africa.

"We are thrilled to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Kendle for her contributions to the life sciences industry in Cincinnati," said Ellen van der Horst, President of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. "Dr. Kendle has been a champion for scientific education, supporting her alma mater, the University of Cincinnati, and making contributions to the Cincinnati USA economy."

Dr. Kendle is respected globally as a leader in clinical research and has been presented with a variety of international, national and local awards. She is the recipient of a 2010 honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati; was named one of the "100 most inspiring people" by leading biopharmaceutical trade publication PharmaVOICE in 2010; and was the winner of the 2009 "Entrepreneurial Champion" Luminary award from the Committee of 200, an international organization of preeminent businesswomen. For more than a decade, Dr. Kendle has served on the Board of Directors of H.J. Heinz Company, a $10 billion+ food company. She also has served on the Board of Trustees at the University of Cincinnati, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and numerous other not-for-profit institutions.

Kendle, which in 2011 marks its 30th year in the CRO industry and its 14th as a publicly held company, has been headquartered in Cincinnati since its founding. As announced Feb. 14, Dr. Kendle will step into a new role on May 1 as non-executive Chairman of the Board, with Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Stephen Cutler, PhD succeeding her as President and CEO.

About Kendle

Kendle International Inc. (Nasdaq: KNDL) is a leading global clinical research organization providing the full range of early- to late-stage clinical development services for the world's biopharmaceutical industry. Our focus is on innovative solutions that reduce cycle times for our customers and accelerate the delivery of life-enhancing products to market for the benefit of patients worldwide. As one of the world's largest global providers of Phase I-IV services, we offer experience spanning more than 100 countries, along with industry-leading patient access and retention capabilities and broad therapeutic expertise, to meet our customers' clinical development challenges. For more information, please visit www.kendle.com.

SOURCE Kendle International Inc.