Research and Development Groups
There are four core groups which make up the Research & Development organization:
Applied Research
Kogenate ® FS* and Betaseron®, both protein therapies, are an integral part of Bayer’s portfolio with combined sales of close to $3 billion. The Applied Research group conducts both experimental as well as translational biology work for both these products. This includes an exciting array of activities such as research into next generation versions and successor molecules, pharmacological investigations and mechanism of action studies. The group also conducts preclinical studies and supports clinical research on biologics in the areas of hemostasis and autoimmunity for the hematology and specialized therapeutics franchises.
Protein Therapeutics
The protein therapeutics group plays the role of primary technology partner for the Applied Research team. This team of industry-leading scientists conducts cutting-edge research in the area of protein engineering and modification to create improved versions of therapeutic proteins with special emphasis on those that mediate hemostasis. The team is also responsible for developing novel expression systems to insure that protein therapeutics will be efficiently produced for research and ultimately commercial use. Antibody-mimetics and research into predicting and reducing immunogenicity of recombinant proteins are other areas in which the Protein Therapeutics group is involved.
Global Biological Development
Compared to the manufacture of traditional, small-molecule pharmaceuticals, manufacturing of therapeutic proteins is a remarkably complex and exacting process. For a protein therapy, manufacturing process development often starts when a molecule is in the pre-clinical stages. The Global Biologics Development team is responsible for the development of cost effective, environmentally safe, and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes for new protein products in the Bayer pipeline. The group has strong interfaces with both the research as well as the manufacturing organizations.
Clinical Development
Bayer is committed to the discovery, development and commercialization of novel medicines to serve unmet medical needs. Read more about our current clinical development activities by clicking here.
Learn more about our current research programs.
* BETASERON® (Interferon beta-1b) is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations. Patients with multiple sclerosis in whom efficacy has been demonstrated include patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis.
Important Safety Information
The most commonly reported adverse reactions are lymphopenia, injection-site reaction, asthenia, flu-like symptom complex, headache and pain. Gradual dose titration and use of analgesics during treatment initiation may help reduce flu-like symptoms. BETASERON should be used with caution in patients with depression. Injection-site necrosis has been reported in 4% of patients in controlled trials. Patients should be advised of the importance of rotating injection sites. Female patients should be warned about the potential risk to pregnancy. Cases of anaphylaxis have been reported rarely. See "Warnings," "Precautions," and "Adverse Reactions" sections of full Prescribing Information.
* Kogenate® FS Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant), is a recombinant Factor VIII treatment indicated for the treatment of hemophilia A. The most frequently reported adverse events were local injection site reactions, dizziness and rash. Known intolerance or allergic reactions to constituents of the preparation is a contraindication to the use of Kogenate® FS. Known hypersensitivity to mouse or hamster protein may be a contraindication to the use of Kogenate® FS. For important safety and use information, please see the full prescribing information.
* Product information is intended for U.S. Audiences Only
