The Bayer GroupBayer Schering Pharma and the National University of Singapore (NUS) have agreed to cooperate in the field of pre-clinical cancer research. The initial collaboration with the NUS will focus on three joint projects in the field of oncology. Overall, Bayer is committed to invest up to 10 million Euro in research and development activities in Singapore over the next five to eight years in partnership with Singapore-based universities, hospitals, research institutes and companies.

"This investment in collaboration agreements with scientific institutions in Asia underscores our commitment to develop novel cancer drugs," said Prof. Andreas Busch, Head of Global Drug Discovery and member of the Board of Bayer Schering Pharma. "We are looking forward to work together with the experts at NUS and to make use of Singapore's excellent translational research capabilities and world class research infrastructure to develop and further advance new anti-cancer therapies. We also see this agreement as the start of further research collaborations in Singapore that Bayer will continue to invest in."

The goal of the joint projects with NUS is to profile oncology drugs in Asian populations, to identify novel biomarkers and to investigate novel tumor models with high relevance for the clinical situation.

Prof. John Wong, Dean of Medical School of National University of Singapore said: "As a comprehensive tertiary institution with significant expertise and interest in translational clinical research, the University looks forward to entering this strategic research collaboration with Bayer that builds on NUS' existing research capabilities and Bayer Schering Pharma's expertise in drug development. We are hopeful that our joint efforts will translate into discoveries to innovation therapies that will benefit Singaporeans and patients around the world."

About Bayer Schering Pharma
The Bayer Group is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, 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, Consumer Care, Diabetes Care and Pharmaceuticals divisions. The pharmaceuticals business operates under the name Bayer Schering Pharma.

Bayer HealthCare's aim is to discover and manufacture products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. Find more information at www.bayerhealthcare.com.

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 www.bayerscheringpharma.de.