Clinical Development
Current Research & Development Activities
Bayer is committed to the discovery, development and commercialization of novel medicines to serve unmet medical needs. Over the past 19 years, Bayer has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on hemophilia research and clinical trials. We as a company are committed to innovative research and development of next-generation therapies that produce significant benefits for the people who are in need of safe and effective treatments.
Long-Acting Recombinant Factor VIII
Currently, the clinical research team is continuing a development program surrounding long-acting recombinant factor VIII products, which may move infusion regimens (currently up to three times per week) to once-weekly infusions for preventive care. Bayer believes factor VIII therapy with prolonged activity will greatly improve the lives of people with hemophilia, making it simpler for them to comply with their treatment regimens.
Improved Factor VIII molecule
Our team of researchers also is applying innovative molecular engineering technologies to develop a recombinant FVIII molecules with improved properties such as increased activity, increased circulation time and reduced immunogenicity1.
Parkinson’s Disease
Bayer is collaborating with Titan Pharmaceuticals on Spheramine, one of the most advanced cell therapies in development today, which could represent significant relief for people living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Spheramine is an innovative, standardized cell therapy using normal human cells. These cells, called retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, are placed on microcarriers and injected into the brain to provide a localized continuous source of dopamine in brain regions deficient in dopamine. Titan and Bayer have completed enrollment in a Phase 2b clinical study to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of Spheramine; one year following treatment patients have demonstrated an average improvement of 48% in motor function; four years after treatment the patients continued to average 40% improvement in motor function. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted Fast Track designation for Spheramine. Berkeley’s biological development group is developing the process for manufacturing Spheramine.
1 Immunogenicity – causing or capable of producing an immune response.
