Cincinnati-based CRO Kendle is expanding its phase I business with the appointment of Philip Davies, a 20-year industry veteran in early stage research, and made another key hire to grow its Asia-Pacific operations.

The company stated that Davies will provide the leadership needed to grow its phase I units, which include a clinical pharmacology unit in The Netherlands and a bioequivalence facility in West Virginia. Kendle said Davies will focus on expanding its capabilities worldwide.

Prior to the appointment, Davies had roles within Kendle’s pharmacology business in Germany and the UK. Before joining Kendle, he spent six years with Eli Lilly in its pharmacology operations. Most recently, Davies was director of global exploratory and program phase medical operations. Davies, as vice-president of phase I, will report directly to Kendle’s chief executive officer, Candace Kendle, PharmD.

“Phase I is a rapidly growing area of opportunity and is an integral part of Kendle’s business plan, with the market to grow between 13.4 and 16% annually through 2010,” said Kendle.

Kendle also hired Ross Horsburgh, M.D. as vice president of global clinical development for the Asia Pacific region. Prior to joining Kendle, Horsburg was regional medical director for AstraZeneca’s Asia Pacific region. He will be based in Singapore and report to Martha Feller, senior vice president of global clinical development for phase I through III operations.