The Bayer GroupBayer Schering Pharma AG, Germany, has entered into a research collaboration agreement with The People's Liberation Army General Hospital (301 Hospital) in Beijing, China. The collaboration partners will establish a long-term strategic research partnership in the area of Women’s Healthcare that would benefit patients in China and worldwide.

Under the terms of the agreement, 301 Hospital will receive research funding and their scientists will be able to work at Bayer Schering Pharma’s research facilities in Berlin, Germany.

Bayer Schering Pharma scientists from the recently established Bayer Schering Pharma Global Drug Discovery-Innovation Center China in Beijing will participate in and coordinate the research projects.

The joint research programs will initially be focused on but not limited to gynecological diseases. Combining the strong expertise of the scientists at 301 Hospital and at Bayer Schering Pharma in Women's Healthcare, the first project will focus on the establishment and analysis of disease models and disease understanding.

"Working together with the experts from The People's Liberation Army General Hospital will help us to bring new therapies faster to patients suffering from gynecological diseases, like endometriosis and uterine fibroids. We are looking forward to a successful collaboration." said Prof. Andreas Busch, Member of the Board of Management at Bayer Schering Pharma and Head of Global Drug Discovery.

301 Hospital is one of the biggest general hospitals in China and has gained a high reputation in gynecology and obstetrics research and expert knowledge in treatment of patients suffering from related diseases.

"Endometriosis and uterine fibroids are severe diseases that significantly compromise the health and quality of life of women. Joining forces will allow us to take advantage of each other's strengths which will for sure drive the research and innovation in these fields." said Prof. Guoquan Ren, Head of Medical Management Division, during his welcome address on behalf of 301 officials.

Bayer Schering Pharma on the other side with its strong background and experience in women's healthcare has a strategic interest in research and development of compounds for gynecological diseases to address the high unmet medical need for new treatment options.

About General Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army, also known as 301 Hospital
Founded in 1953, 301 Hospital now has developed into a modern hospital with a large number of professional talents, complete range of clinical disciplines, large amounts of state-of-the-art medical equipments, high level of medical care services and good reputation both at home and abroad. 301 Hospital is not only the biggest military hospital in mainland China, it also has one of the most comprehensive hospital facilities among military hospitals throughout the country.

301 Hospital also employs more than 3600 professionals across twelve medical specialty centers, 14 medical research centers and eight major laboratories, engaging in various key medical disciplines such as otolaryngology, orthopedics, gynecology, and gerontology, among others. 301 Hospital offers excellent conditions for scientific research, which has been honored with more than 1000 national and army awards for achievements in science and technology. The hospital has relationships of academic exchange and cooperation with hospitals, schools and medical research institutes in more than 60 countries and regions. More than 500 foreign scholars and experts visit the hospital and deliver lectures every year. Find more information at http://202.106.73.29/english/index.jsp.

About Bayer HealthCare
The Bayer Group is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of healthcare, nutrition and high-tech materials. Bayer HealthCare, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is one of the world's leading, innovative companies in the healthcare and medical products industry and is based in Leverkusen, Germany. The company combines the global activities of the Animal Health, Bayer Schering Pharma, Consumer Care and Medical Care divisions. Bayer HealthCare's aim is to discover, manufacture and market products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. Find more information at http://www.bayerhealthcare.com.

About Bayer Schering Pharma
Bayer Schering Pharma is a worldwide leading specialty pharmaceutical company. Its research and business activities are focused on the following areas: Diagnostic Imaging, General Medicine, Specialty Medicine and Women's Healthcare. With innovative products, Bayer Schering Pharma aims for leading positions in specialized markets worldwide. Using new ideas, Bayer Schering Pharma aims to make a contribution to medical progress and strives to improve the quality of life. Find more information at http://www.bayerscheringpharma.de.