Kendle has acquired DecisionLine Clinical Research Corp., a privately held, early phase CRO with a state-of-the-art medical facility in Toronto, Canada. DecisionLine specializes in Phase I studies involving the measurement of pharmacodynamic effects of central nervous system (CNS) drugs. The company adds scientific expertise with psychopharmacology exploratory/translational medicine capabilities as well as drug development consulting, medical writing, data management, biostatistics and other support services. The acquired business will report into Philip J.W. Davies, vice president, early phase, Kendle. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
   
“With Phase I growth expected to outpace the broader outsourcing market at approximately 15% annually, early phase development remains an important need for our customers and an area of significant growth opportunity for Kendle,” said president Simon Higginbotham. “The addition of DecisionLine is an important step in building Kendle’s global capabilities for exploration of early phase drug candidates and supports our strategic initiative to drive growth in our Phase I business.”
   
DecisionLine was founded in 1997 by president and chief executive officer, Edward M. Sellers, M.D., Ph.D., FRCPC, FACP and senior vice president, research development and medical affairs, Myroslava K. Romach, MSc, M.D., FRCPC. The 36,000-sq.–ft. facility has 82 beds and is staffed by a team of approximately 110 full-time and 130 part-time associates. Dr. Sellers will serve as general manager, early phase, Toronto and senior scientist, Kendle International and Dr. Romach will serve as head of clinical operations and medical affairs, early phase, Toronto and senior scientist, Kendle International.