Beijing, China, June 24, 2025 – Bayer and Tsinghua University (THU) today announced the signing of the sixth phase of the collaboration agreement, aiming to further facilitate the translation of scientific research outcomes into drug discovery and development, focused on key selected areas of interests, such as oncology, cardiovascular and renal diseases, neurology & rare diseases, and immunology, accelerating cutting-edge scientific research across the pharmaceutical value chain.
Under the agreement, Bayer will continue to provide funding and support for joint research projects over the next three years, as well as to scientists at THU in recognition of their outstanding contributions in life sciences and pharmaceutical innovation, and further enhance scientific research exchanges and discussions between the two parties.
Since 2009, Bayer, as a multinational pharmaceutical company, has been at the forefront of establishing scientific research collaboration with THU. Over the past 16 years, this partnership has resulted in 75 joint research projects and the publication of 15 co-authored papers in top international academic journals. Esteemed THU scholars, including Prof. Nieng Yan, Prof. Sheng Ding, Prof. Hai Qi, Prof. Song-Hai Shi, Prof. Lei Liu, and Prof. Feng Qian, have been awarded the Bayer Endowed Chair, and more than 100 outstanding scientists have been designated as Bayer Investigators. These awards aim to recognize and commend scholars who have made significant contributions in life sciences, medical science and drug research and development. 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. This progress is driven by the dedicated efforts and strong collaborations among innovators of science and business,” said Christian Rommel, Global Head of Research and Development at Bayer Pharmaceuticals. “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.
As part of its long-term commitment to China, Bayer attaches great importance on academic collaborations with local research institutions and strongly supports emerging innovation and drug research and research in the country. The company has established strategic partnerships with Tsinghua University and Peking University since 2009 and 2014, respectively. So far, Bayer and these two academic institutions have engaged in over 100 research collaboration projects, covering 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.
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.
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.
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.
