Bayer HealthCare grows 7.5% in Asia-Pacific

Sales in the growth markets of the region, namely Vietnam, Pakistan, Indonesia and Australia, have developed well, delivering high double-digit growth, the company said.

“Our products performed well in the market in 2012 and we look forward to launching further new products this year,” said Wei Jiang, head of Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals in Asia-Pacific.

Meanwhile, this year is set to be another highlight for Bayer as the company celebrates its 150th anniversary. Over the next 18 months, the German giant expects to grow its pharmaceuticals portfolio further through the launch of six new products and indications across the region, he said.

Bayer HealthCare is continuously expanding its oncology portfolio with three clinically important products and indications addressing three of the six leading causes of cancer death (liver, colorectal and prostate). 

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in Asia, and is fast emerging as one of the most significant health problems worldwide. In 2008, Asia alone had the highest number of cancer deaths in the world (54 per cent) with more than 4 million deaths and over 6 million new cancer cases. 

On the global scale, deaths from cancer are projected to continue rising to an estimated 12 million fatalities in 2030, the company said. 

Focusing on diseases common in Asia, Bayer HealthCare has for many years actively invested in research and development to lay the groundwork for a sustainable business and to provide patients in Asia with earlier access to innovative medicines. 

Its pharmaceutical development pipeline is well stocked, with 33 development compounds in phases I to III of clinical testing.

“Increased R&D collaborations in Asia-Pacific have become a core element of our development activities,” said Dr Chuan Kit Foo, head of Medical Affairs Asia-Pacific. 

“We have invested actively in R&D for many years and we are constantly working hand-in-hand with scientists and our partners to look for the best possible therapies for difficult-to-treat patient groups. Today, one out of four patients in global clinical trials of Bayer HealthCare comes from the Asia-Pacific region – nearly a threefold increase compared to five years ago.”

Reporting on the performance of Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals in Thailand, Heike Prinz, general manager of Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals at Bayer Thai, said: “We achieved solid single-digit sales growth last year. As for the coming years, while remaining firmly committed to R&D to bring about the latest drug innovations for the better health of Thai people, we plan to launch several new products and indications into the Thai market, mainly in the areas of oncology, cardiovascular disease and women’s health. 

“These will follow our latest introduction of the novel once-daily oral anticoagulant for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. 

“We are confident that our continued commitment to make the latest drug innovations available in Thailand will contribute to enhancing the health and quality of life of Thai people.”