Management of Innovation and Technology

Web Based Assignment 5

Research and Development Strategies at Bayer

for Advancements in the field of Oncology

Introduction
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.

Oncology is field of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Bayer's Oncology
unit is one of their primary business areas where they have made innovative treatment concepts a
priority and assumed a leading role in the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma.
Main ideas
Nearly 11 million people are diagnosed with cancer every year. According to a study carried out by the
European Cancer Organization, there are more than 24.5 million people in the world living with the
disease and 1 in 3 people will be diagnosed with it at some time during their life. In 2005 alone, 7.6
million people died of cancer. Scientists project that number will continue to rise, with an estimated 9
million people dying in 2015 and 11.4 million dying in 2030 (WHO).

Cancer incidence, or the number of new cancer diagnoses each year, is on the increase worldwide.
Experts predict that if current trends continue, there will be a 50 percent increase in incidence between
2000 and 2020 with well over 15 million new cases a year diagnosed in 2020.

Bayer has acquired and partnered with a number of companies within the science and industry fields
that has given the company a tremendous boost in its research capabilities in the battle against cancer.
Their research and development team has developed and offered therapies for both solid tumors ( all
cancer types affecting body tissue with the exception of the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system)
and hematologic malignancies.
Bayer’s oncology portfolio consists of multiple kinase inhibitors, a therapeutic paradigm with the
potential to stop the majority of uncontrolled replication and angiogenesis (formation of blood
supply) of tumour cells. By interfering with kinases – proteins that signal tumours to grow and spread
–
multiple kinase inhibitors may impede cancer cells from proliferating and sustaining themselves,
prompting their death. These agents have the potential to inhibit the growth of tumours.
To advance the standard of oncology care, Bayer is also researching combinations with targeted
therapies and traditional chemotherapies. Research suggests that multiple kinase inhibitors and
chemotherapy regimens have the potential to:
• increase the amount of chemotherapy that reaches tumour cells;
• make tumour cells more sensitive to the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy; and
• reduce the growth of new tumour cells and blood vessels that help nourish and spread tumours.
Bayer maintains a focus on developing small molecules and targeted therapies as part of their
oncology
commitment. They continue to leverage their kinase expertise by building chemical libraries around
new kinase inhibitors, as well as keeping pace with angiogenesis (formation of blood supply)
research.
They are working to discover therapies that will intercede proliferation and malignancy by inhibiting
targets that will work from tumour cell regression and/or stabilisation.
While much progress has been made in the treatment of cancer, there is still a need for improved
diagnosis and treatment. The ultimate goal of the company is to be able to treat cancer as a chronic
disease until a cure becomes available.

Conclusion
Bayer's Oncology team is a global group of dedicated, experienced people working in locations around
the world with a single mission to develop innovations that improve the lives of cancer patients. By
fostering the discovery of therapies and diagnostics through research and strategic alliances, Bayer
Oncology is committed to help improve the lives of cancer patients worldwide.
 References

Retrieved from: http://www.bayeroncology.com/hcp/about_oncology/

Retrieved from: http://www.ecco-org.eu/News/Cancer-statistics/Cancer-The-scale-of-the-problem/

page.aspx/368

Retrieved from: http://www.bayer-innovation.com/en/news.aspx