Bayer Schering Pharma's sales up by 13%

Bayer Schering Pharma Asia Pacific, a subsidiary of Germany-based Bayer AG, has announced that sales grew over 13 per cent (curr. adj.) in 2009 compared to 2008, reaching total sales of EUR 1,043 million. This makes Asia Pacific the fastest growing region for the German pharmaceutical company. Significant investments will go into enhancing its expertise in research and development (R&D), talent development and improving patients' access to novel therapies.

Performance: One of the strongest years for Bayer Schering Pharma Asia Pacific

Commenting on the significant growth, Alok Kanti, Regional Head, Bayer Schering Pharma Asia Pacific, said: "2009 was operationally a very strong year. We continued to deliver double-digit sales growth despite the weakened economy. Our focused strategy in countries like China and Korea is materializing, and we are now optimistic that we can also realize it in other emerging markets like Vietnam and India."

Moving forward, Bayer Schering Pharma expects to be one of the top ten key pharma players with top line growth above the market in Asia Pacific.

"We will continue to invest significantly in Asia Pacific to capitalize on the opportunities that this region presents. For example, over the past three years, we have increased our workforce in Korea by over 20 percent, in India by 35 percent and doubled our workforce in Vietnam," said Alok Kanti.

The market introduction of YAZÃ‚®, approved for the treatment of both moderate acne and the physical and emotional symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in women wanting oral contraception represents one of the most successful recent launches of an oral contraceptive in Asia Pacific. It has been made available in 2009 throughout all major markets in the region such as Thailand, Hong Kong, Australia, Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, New Zealand, Singapore and the Philippines. Based on the good uptake of YAZ in Asia Pacific, the company expects sales of the product to grow significantly in the region.

Dr Richard Nieman, Head of Medical Affairs Asia, Bayer Schering Pharma said: "We aim for an integrated approach in R&D to support our business starting from pre-clinical phase to post-launch of new products. We are now able to bring our products to Asia Pacific faster following approval in Europe or the US. In the future, patients in Asia Pacific will be able to access new therapies in parallel to their western counterparts."

Bayer Schering Pharma's integrated R&D strategy has brought about robust growth. The number of clinical activities conducted in the region in the last five years has seen a tenfold increase from six trials in 2005 to about 50 trials today.