Bayer extends partnership with Tsinghua University to accelerate pharmaceutical research in China

Berlin, Germany, June 24, 2025 – Bayer and Tsinghua University (THU) today announced that they have extended their research collaboration of 16 years by an additional three years, to further accelerate the translation of scientific research into drug discovery and development across the pharmaceutical value chain. The extended agreement will focus on joint research projects targeting key therapeutic areas, such as oncology, cardiovascular and renal diseases, neurology and rare diseases, as well as immunology. This long-term research alliance underscores Bayer's continued commitment to investing in healthcare innovation in China and reinforces its goal for continued growth in this key market.

Under the agreement, Bayer will continue to provide funding and support for joint research projects, as well as for scientists at THU, in recognition of their research excellence in life sciences and pharmaceutical innovation. This collaboration will further enhance scientific research exchanges between the two parties.

Established in 2009, this strategic academic partnership between Bayer and THU has already resulted in over 70 joint research projects and more than 10 publications in top international academic journals. In 2022, Bayer and THU initiated the Bayer Microfunding program to further enhance the translation of early scientific research, with nine projects receiving funding support in the past three years.

“The innovation ecosystem in China is rapidly evolving, marked with remarkable advancements in scientific and medical research,” said Christian Rommel, Global Head of Research and Development at Bayer Pharmaceuticals. “This progress is driven by the dedicated efforts and strong collaborations among innovators of science and business. We are proud that our partnership with Tsinghua University has set a benchmark for scientific research collaboration between multinational pharmaceutical companies and high profile academic institutions in China. We look forward to this strategic alliance continuing to expand the frontiers of cutting-edge science and translating groundbreaking discoveries into transformative treatments for patients.”

“Over the past sixteen years, Tsinghua University and Bayer have forged a trusted and synergistic partnership that has continuously advanced the integration of scientific discovery and pharmaceutical innovation. This collaboration has supported cutting-edge research targeting major global health challenges and has become a model for end-to-end cooperation between Chinese universities and international pharmaceutical companies. The signing of the sixth-phase agreement marks a significant milestone in our shared mission to accelerate the translation of basic research into impactful therapies. We greatly value this long-standing strategic collaboration with Bayer. Moving forward, Tsinghua will continue to leverage its strengths in disciplines, talent, and research platforms to explore the frontiers of original innovation with Bayer and contribute to the sustainable advancement of global healthcare,” said Hongwei Wang, Professor of School of Life Sciences and Vice-President of Tsinghua University, and the Bayer Endowed Chair 2018.

Academic collaborations are an integral part of Bayer's research and development strategy, aimed at delivering innovative treatment solutions to patients. Bayer established strategic collaborations with Tsinghua University and Peking University in China, since 2009 and 2014, respectively. Bayer and the two leading academic institutions have carried out more than 100 research collaboration projects, including discovery and structural analysis of novel targets, pathogenesis and drug mechanism of action research, drug screening, efficacy evaluation as well as exploration on new modalities, new synthetic methods, and innovative formulations.

China is home to the world's second largest pharmaceutical market, and its innovation capabilities are among the world's top two. The country's pharmaceutical research and industrial development has entered a new phase of innovation and is playing an increasingly important role in the global pharmaceutical value chain.

With more than 140 years of presence in China, Bayer continues to expand its innovation footprint. Bayer has established two global research & development (R&D) centers and four world-class production facilities in China. More than 80% of Bayer's major multi-center clinical trials are conducted in China, covering both early and late-stage clinical development.

As China has emerged as a vital hub for global biotech innovation, Bayer is actively engaging into the local innovation ecosystem, collaborating with Chinese innovators and partners, and fostering open innovation. In September 2024, Bayer Co.Lab inaugurated its new site in China, aiming to incubate 10 to 15 resident startups, focusing on cutting-edge innovations in oncology, cardiovascular and renal diseases, new technology platforms, and cell and gene therapies. To date, five pioneering biotech companies from China have joined the vibrant community of Bayer Co.Lab. In addition, Bayer and Puhe BioPharma have entered into a global license agreement for an oral, small molecule PRMT5 inhibitor that selectively targets MTAP-deleted tumors. Under the agreement, Bayer obtains an exclusive worldwide right to develop, manufacture and commercialize the MTA-cooperative PRMT5 inhibitor. Bayer has enrolled the first participant in a Phase I first-in-human dose escalation study.

Financial details of the collaboration agreement have not been disclosed.

About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, “Health for all, Hunger for none,” the company’s products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2024, the Group employed around 93,000 people and had sales of 46.6 billion euros. R&D expenses amounted to 6.2 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

Find more information at https://pharma.bayer.com
Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bayer

Forward-Looking Statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.