Bayer presented the latest developments in the ongoing transformation of its pharmaceuticals business at its annual Pharma Media Day 2022. The developments are aimed at delivering long-term, sustainable business growth by bringing forward new options for patients.

“We are taking bold steps into the future of drug development, investing strongly in areas at the forefront of the biomedical and technological revolution. Our leadership in cardiology, radiology and women’s health is recognized worldwide, and we are expanding our presence in oncology, working tirelessly to bring forward new approaches that can change the treatment paradigm for patients,” said Stefan Oelrich, Member of the Board of Management, Bayer AG and President of Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals Division. “We are excited to see our efforts crystalize in our latest product launches, which include two potential blockbusters, as well as a late-stage portfolio with at least another blockbuster opportunity.”

Bayer’s research and development pipeline continues to grow as the company is building on its existing competencies, such as the expertise around small molecules, while expanding into new modalities, including cell and gene therapies. The company is advancing around 50 projects in ongoing clinical trials across a range of potential therapeutic modalities and indications, with a focus on oncology, cardiovascular and women’s health.

In the area of cardiovascular disease, Bayer is delivering on its late-stage pipeline including recent launches of Kerendia (finerenone) and Verquvo (vericiguat).

“We are currently in the remarkable position to launch several important new medicines in parallel, and we are unlocking the full potential of our assets through systematic data generation, multi-indication approaches as well as building on new digital business models,” said Christian Rommel, Member of the Executive Committee of Bayer’s Pharmaceutical Division and Head of Research and Development. “Our scientific leadership in the area of cardiovascular diseases advances our mission to provide better treatment options for patients in need.”

Bayer’s efforts in oncology focus on differentiated approaches that have the potential to fundamentally impact the way that cancer is treated. With three product launches over the last five years, Bayer has significantly broadened its footprint in the area, focusing on those areas with the highest unmet medical need while applying a broad range of modalities.

“With our differentiated prostate cancer treatment darolutamide, which has shown a strong clinical benefit in two large Phase III studies in prostate cancer and has a broad development program underway in various other stages of the disease, we are laying the foundation now for continued growth in the future and become a top-10 oncology company by 2030,” said Robert LaCaze, member of the Executive Committee of the Pharmaceuticals Division and Head of the Oncology Strategic Business Unit at Bayer. “In addition, we have broadened our approach with several new platforms, and launched the precision oncology treatment Vitrakvi™ (larotrectinib). With six products across ten indications, Bayer is already today delivering new treatments for cancer patients who need additional and better options. With our track record in developing and launching innovative oncology products and our rich pipeline, we are confident that we have all the ingredients for long-term success.”

Bayer is strongly positioned in the fast-growing medical imaging artificial intelligence (AI) market, combining a long-term expertise in radiology with a deep understanding of patients’ and physicians’ needs across a broad range of diseases, from oncology to cardiovascular, resulting in the ability to provide know-how and solutions from diagnosis to care.

Bayer is developing a platform through which healthcare professionals can centrally manage AI-enabled medical imaging and imaging workflow applications. These solutions are being developed by Bayer as well as third parties, and aim to support the complex decision-making processes of healthcare professionals in their task to provide a clear direction from diagnosis to care for their patients.

“One of the most pressing concerns in medical imaging today is the exponential growth of imaging data and its complexity due to an increase in radiology examinations, and the shortage of experienced medical staff to handle it,” said Zuzana Jirakova Trnkova, MD, PhD, Head of Medical Affairs and Clinical Development Radiology at Bayer. “Artificial intelligence can be a valuable tool that, when complementing the human expertise of radiologists and clinicians, offers vast potential to the healthcare industry and radiology in particular. This is why Bayer strives to be a key digital innovator in this area, with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for patients and supporting their physicians.”