David M. Kendall, M.D., Named Distinguished Medical Fellow at Lilly

INDIANAPOLIS, May 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today announced that David M. Kendall, M.D., currently chief scientific and medical officer of the American Diabetes Association, has been named distinguished medical fellow for Lilly. He will transition from his current role in late-July.

In his new role, Kendall will serve as a senior medical advisor for Lilly Diabetes in advocacy and clinical science communities and as a representative to the professional medical community. In addition, he will help provide scientific direction for Lilly in diabetes discovery and clinical development. Other key responsibilities will include the support of Lilly's medical education efforts and diabetes healthcare evaluation programs.

"David brings a critical external view, including the insights he gained while at the American Diabetes Association," said Enrique Conterno, president of Lilly Diabetes. "We are working hard to gain leadership in diabetes care, and that leadership must start with an understanding of the needs of patients and health care providers."

Kendall will report to Robert Heine, M.D., vice president medical affairs, Lilly Diabetes.

"With his background as a clinician, researcher and diabetes advocate, David is the ideal candidate for this position," said Heine. "His focus, passion and understanding of diabetes care will enable us to create ever better solutions for people living with diabetes."

About David Kendall

Kendall joins Lilly Diabetes from the American Diabetes Association, where he serves as scientific and medical officer and has been responsible for the oversight of the Association's research programs, medical affairs, medical education, international affairs, medical information and community programs since 2009.

Kendall also is an associate professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota and an adjunct medical director at the International Diabetes Center, both located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Prior to these appointments, Kendall held a number of leadership positions at the International Diabetes Center, and served as faculty at the University of Minnesota Medical School.

Kendall's experience in diabetes spans nearly 25 years, with a research focus on the clinical management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, emerging novel therapies as well as the treatment and prevention of diabetes complications. He is the author of more than 150 original manuscripts, chapters and professional reviews and a former NIH clinical investigator for both the National Institutes of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Kendall received his bachelor's degree from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, and earned his M.D. and completed his post doctoral training in Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis.

About Lilly Diabetes

For more than 85 years, Lilly has been a worldwide leader in pioneering industry-leading solutions to support people living with and treating diabetes. Lilly introduced the world's first commercial insulin in 1923, and remains at the forefront of medical and delivery device innovation to manage diabetes. Lilly is also committed to providing solutions beyond therapy - practical tools, education, and support programs to help overcome barriers to success along the diabetes journey. At Lilly, the journeys of each person living with or treating diabetes inspire ours. For more information, visit www.lillydiabetes.com.

About Eli Lilly and Company

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers – through medicines and information – for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com.

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SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company