The Bayer GroupBayer Schering Pharma AG, Germany, will establish a U.S. Innovation Center in San Francisco, Calif. with the goal to expand its global research network and build its specialty pharmaceutical pipeline.

The model introduces a newly formed "Science Hub" for innovation sourcing in the U.S. creating collaborations with academic research scientists and small biotech firms to realize product development and commercialization of new therapies through partnerships with Bayer. The U.S. Innovation Center also will house Bayer scientists who drive the company's strong hematology research program focused on coagulation factors and the discovery of novel biologic drug candidates.

"Through our newest innovation center, U.S. academic research institutions and young biopharmaceutical firms will work closely with Bayer scientists and leverage our experience in bringing novel discoveries to market. Working together, we have the potential to create significant benefits for patients," said Professor Andreas Busch, Head of Global Drug Discovery for Bayer Schering Pharma. "Mission Bay is a hotbed of innovation in the U.S. and key to our decision to co-locate our researchers in this life sciences community. We expect this new focus on U.S. research collaboration to enhance Bayer’s pipeline which features a successful combination of internal excellence with highly partnered approaches in research and development and commercialization."

By locating the U.S. Innovation Center in Mission Bay, Bayer's scientists will be in the heart of a growing biomedical research community and working in state-of-the-art labs which will occupy 49,000 square feet of leased lab and administrative space. Also research scientists working in targeted areas such as cardiology, oncology, women's healthcare and diagnostic imaging will be rotating through this site.

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.