Bayer’s strongest-ever pharma portfolio and promising pipeline drive future growth

  • Five growth catalysts fuel the pharma portfolio of Bayer
  • Record-breaking 2025 with five first-approvals (three new product approvals; two new indications) and six positive Phase III readouts
  • Multiple key pipeline milestones expected in 2026 in priority therapeutic areas
  • Bayer confirms dual ambition for Pharmaceuticals to return to mid-single-digit growth from 2027 onwards, and to achieve an operating margin expansion from 2028 towards 30 percent by 2030

Berlin, April 1, 2026 – On the occasion of Bayer’s Pharma Media Day 2026, Stefan Oelrich – Member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and President of the company’s Pharmaceuticals Division, revealed how a sustained focus on science- and business-prioritization is driving a projected growth trajectory towards 2030.

“With our unwavering focus on our strategic priorities and scientific rigor, we are seeing the rewards of our transformative strategy to drive growth,” said Stefan Oelrich, Member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and President of the company’s Pharmaceuticals Division. “Thanks to our strongest ever Pharma portfolio, our multimodal pipeline, and an increasingly AI-enabled operating model, we are on track to return to mid-single-digit growth from 2027 onwards, and to expand our margin from 2028 towards 30 percent by 2030.”

Stefan Oelrich, President of Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals Division, sharing Bayer’s vision for sustainable growth and an increasingly AI-enabled operating model at Pharma Media Day.

Five growth catalysts to drive Pharmaceuticals’ performance into the next decade

“Our intention is to be first- or best-in-class because patients deserve no less,” said Christine Roth, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Product Strategy and Commercialization and Member of the Pharmaceuticals Leadership Team at Bayer. “The bold choices we’ve made over the past few years, along with our empowered teams, are accelerating innovation and delivering real impact for patients and for Bayer.”
 

Christine Roth, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Product Strategy and Commercialization, and Member of Bayer Pharmaceuticals’ Leadership Team (right), speaking at Pharma Media Day about accelerating innovation and delivering meaningful impact for patients.

Cardiology

Secondary stroke prevention

Bayer is seeking new therapeutic options for secondary stroke prevention that may offer improved benefit-risk profiles. By inhibiting factor XIa (a protein in the blood coagulation pathway), the goal is to uncouple hemostasis from thrombosis, thus preventing pathological clot formation while leaving hemostasis intact.

Why this matters Around 12 million people worldwide experience a stroke each year,1 of which 80 percent are ischemic strokes.  Approximately one in five ischemic stroke survivors will have another stroke within five years, even with available secondary stroke prevention strategies.3

Cardiology
 

Transthyretin amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM)

Bayer is successfully introducing a therapeutic option in Europe for stabilization of the transthyretin (TTR) gene, mimicking a naturally occurring ‘protective mutation’ of the gene that targets the root cause of ATTR-CM.

Why this mattersATTR-CM is an often underdiagnosed, progressive potentially fatal heart disease caused by the destabilization of transthyretin (TTR). This destabilization leads to the deposition of amyloid in the heart, which can result in significant impairments in heart function. 4,5 ATTR-CM is estimated to affect 400,000 people globally6 and approximately 190,000 people in Europe. 7

Chronic Kidney Disease / Cardiology

Comprehensive care for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and/or heart failure (HF)

Bayer is successfully introducing a therapeutic option in Europe for stabilization of the transthyretin (TTR) gene, mimicking a naturally occurring ‘protective mutation’ of the gene that targets the root cause of ATTR-CM.

Why this mattersMore than 875 million people globally are affected by CKD and/or HF,8 ,9 with the likelihood of developing both conditions escalating due to global lifestyle trends, an aging population, and the rising incidence of diabetes.8,10 ,11 ,12 ,13 Patients suffering from either CKD or HF face lower survival rates, and the risks of hospitalization, disease progression, and death increase when both conditions coexist.14 


Oncology
 

Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC)

Bayer’s ambition is to globally lead the 2nd generation class of androgen receptor inhibitors (ARi) for the treatment of patients with mHSPC, investigating novel options that may inhibit both the receptor function of androgens (male hormones) and through this growth of prostate cancer cells.

Why this mattersProstate cancer is the second most common cancer in men.15 In 2022, almost 400,000 men died from the disease worldwide.16

Women’s Health

Management of Menopause Symptoms
  • Bayer has developed a treatment for vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with menopause or caused by adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) related to breast cancer.
  • Increasing evidence shows that declining estrogen activity contributes to hyperactive kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin (KNDy) neurons, leading to dysregulation of the centers that regulate temperature and sleep. By antagonizing key receptors, Bayer is seeking to reduce the frequency of severity of VMS, as well as aiming for additional benefits on improving sleep disturbance and quality of life.
     
Why this mattersBy 2030, the global population of women experiencing menopause is forecast to increase to 1.2 billion, with menopause affecting women at a time where they are very active socially and professionally.17 In 2020, there were 2.3 million new cases of breast cancer globally, and nearly 70 percent of tumors being hormone-receptor positive, requiring anti-estrogen treatment which may trigger menopause symptoms.18 ,19 ,2 , 21


Rejuvenated pipeline fuels future growth

“Our rigorous strategy to rejuvenate our pipeline with innovative and differentiated assets is showing its potential, as seen in our record performance in 2025. Three new product approvals, two new indications for our growth drivers, as well as six positive Phase III readouts,” said Christian Rommel, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Research and Development and Member of the Pharmaceuticals Leadership Team. “In 2026, we anticipate several key milestones further validating our strategy of impact-by-innovation, such as precision medicine in our core therapeutic areas of cardiovascular and oncology, regenerative cell and gene therapies, as well as in molecular imaging.”

Advancements in precision drug development

Oncology
 

Advanced metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)
  • Bayer is exploring an investigational targeted alpha therapy (TAT) for patients with advanced metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
  • TAT is a strategic pillar of precision oncology at Bayer, with the potential to accelerate novel treatment options for patients with mCRPC.

     
Why this mattersProstate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide15 with less than three years median overall survival among metastatic patients, who have developed castration-resistance.22, 23

‘‘Small molecule medicines remain one of the most effective ways to deliver impactful therapies through their accessibility, predictability, and global scalability,” said Aleksandra Rizo, M.D, Ph.D, President and CEO, Vividion Therapeutics. “We are advancing oral therapies for cancer and immunologic diseases that target drivers previously considered undruggable, enabled by our chemoproteomics screening platform. With three internally developed molecules now in clinical development, we are focused on translating this work into potentially transforming new medicines for patients.”

Oncology

Solid tumors that display high microsatellite instability (MSI) or deficient mismatch repair (dMMR)Bayer is developing a novel covalent, irreversible inhibitor of the enzyme Werner helicase (WRN) designed to exploit the dependency of microsatellite instability (MSI)-high cancer cells on WRN-mediated DNA repair. This cancer-specific mechanism is hoped to impact disease progression and improve survival of patients with MSI-high solid tumors.

 
Why this mattersColorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, with nearly two million new cases diagnosed each year.24 Approximately 15 percent of CRC tumors are MSI-high,25 representing the largest MSI-high patient population and a significant opportunity for targeted therapies. This mechanism has the potential for therapeutic benefit in other MSI-high cancers, including endometrial, ovarian, and gastric.

Cardiology

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)Derived from a strategic research alliance with the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Bayer is investigating a G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channel 4 (GIRK4) inhibitor which is hoped to help control the electrical activity of heart cells in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib).
Why this mattersAFib is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm), affecting more than 60 million people worldwide, and a significant risk factor for stroke and heart failure.26 ,27, 28

Oncology

HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)Bayer is exploring the potential of a Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) to block certain enzymes called tyrosine kinases involved in the growth of cancer cells in patients with HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Why this mattersNSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for more than 85 percent of cases,29 2-4 percent of which represent HER2-mutant NSCLC.30 , 31

Gene therapy and cell therapy portfolios with potential to deliver transformative patient impact

Gene Therapy

“By combining AskBio’s integrated Adeno Associated Virus platform - from capsid innovation to manufacturing - with Bayer’s global development and operational capabilities, we are working to develop medicines with the potential to transform patient lives across both rare and more common diseases,” said Gustavo Pesquin, Chief Executive Officer, AskBio. 

Gustavo Pesquin (second from right), Chief Executive Officer of AskBio, discussing how the combined strengths of AskBio and Bayer are advancing gene therapies with the potential to transform patient lives.

Cardiology

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)

Bayer is developing a single-dose investigational gene therapy as a potential treatment for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Why this mattersAn estimated 64 million people worldwide are living with heart failure. Despite advances in treatment, mortality and morbidity remain very high.32 ,33 

Neurology

Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

Bayer is investigating a one-time gene therapy designed to address the underlying biology of Parkinson’s Disease (PD), aiming to restore neuronal function and potentially slow disease progression.

Why this mattersThe prevalence of PD has doubled over the past 25 years. Almost 12 million people live with PD globally. The effect of existing treatment options commonly fades after some years, and motor fluctuations and treatment-dependent dyskinesia occur.34,35

Cell Therapy

“For diseases characterized by irreversible cell loss, regenerative medicine offers a fundamentally new approach,” said Seth Ettenberg, President and CEO of BlueRock Therapeutics. “We are advancing novel cell therapies into clinical development along with scalable, reproducible manufacturing.”

Neurology
 

Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

Bayer is evaluating a single-dose investigational cell therapy designed to replace the dopamine producing neurons that are lost in Parkinson’s Disease (PD).

Why this mattersThe prevalence of PD has doubled over the past 25 years. Almost 12 million people live with PD globally. The effect of existing treatment options commonly fades after some years, and motor fluctuations and treatment-dependent dyskinesia occur.34,35

Ophthalmology

Primary photoreceptor diseases

Bayer is exploring the potential of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived photoreceptor cell therapy for the treatment of primary photoreceptor diseases.

Why this mattersPrimary photoreceptor diseases are a subgroup of inherited retinal disorders, leading to irreversible vision loss in children and adults. Limited treatment options currently exist for treating primary photoreceptor diseases which affect an estimated 110,000 people in the U.S. alone.36,37, 38

Advancing innovation across Medical Imaging

“Medical imaging is rapidly evolving to become more personalized and integrated into the patient’s journey,” said Dr. Konstanze Diefenbach, Head of Radiology R&D at Bayer. “At Bayer, we are pioneering the innovations that drive this evolution – from low-dose contrast agents and smarter, connected workflows to new molecular approaches. By enabling earlier, more accurate diagnosis, we empower clinicians to select precise treatment and improve care for their patients.”

MRI contrast agent

Latest updates
  • Bayer has developed a next-generation high relaxivity low-dose macrocyclic gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent for adults and pediatric patients delivering the lowest gadolium dose of all macrocyclic MRI contrast agents.
  • Bayer recently announced the world’s first approval in Japan. Further submissions to health authorities worldwide are underway.
Why this mattersMRI contrast agents support diagnosis, inform treatment, and enable monitoring of a vast variety of diseases. A low-dose MRI contrast agent matters because of reducing patients’ lifetime gadolinium exposure. Health authority guidance and medical societies consistently recommend the lowest gadolinium dose required to achieve diagnostic goals. This is relevant for all patients and particularly for those requiring multiple MRI examinations, for example with chronic conditions like cancer, as well as for those with renal impairment and for children. For 2024, it is estimated that over 60 million doses of gadolinium-based contrast agents were administered worldwide.39

Molecular Tracers

Latest updates
  • Bayer is developing two non-invasive pan-amyloid molecular imaging agents specifically designed to detect amyloid deposits with high sensitivity and specificity, supporting accurate diagnosis of cardiac as well as other types of systemic amyloidosis.
  • Further details about the two tracers: one is a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) tracer and the first amyloid-deposit imaging agent to receive U.S. FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for cardiac amyloidosis. It has Orphan Drug status in both the U.S. and EU, with its Phase III study having completed dosing. The other one is a SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) tracer currently in Phase I that has the potential to broaden diagnostic options.
  • By entering into diagnostic tracers, Bayer reinforces its ambition to expand in molecular imaging, while bolstering its position in precision cardiology.
Why this mattersWith new therapies emerging for often insufficiently treated conditions, it becomes increasingly relevant to precisely detect and monitor diseases on the molecular level. There is an urgent need for earlier and accurate diagnosis of systemic and specifically cardiac amyloidosis, a currently underdiagnosed and often fatal heart disease that affects more than 400,000 people globally.40,41

Boosting R&D productivity by synergizing in-house AI with strategic partnerships

“Our ambition is to leverage AI to increase R&D productivity by 40 percent by 2030,” said Sai Jasti, Senior Vice President, Head of Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, Bayer Pharmaceuticals R&D. “By integrating AI platform architecture with anonymized patient-centric data, our data scientists are empowered to maximize our in-house biologics portfolio, validate AI models, and scale solutions, thereby ultimately speeding up drug discovery.”
 

Sai Jasti, Senior Vice President and Head of Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, Bayer Pharmaceuticals R&D, sharing how AI is helping accelerate drug discovery and transform pharmaceutical R&D at Pharma Media Day.

Bayer’s strategic partnerships with organizations Vanderbilt University Medical Center in the U.S., FinnGen in Finland, and PRECISE in Singapore, leverage a global ecosystem that combines anonymized data and AI-driven analytics, expediting drug discovery in critical areas like cardiovascular and renal diseases.

Bayer has also recently signed a partnership with Cradle, a company whose platform is designed to compress development timelines and advance higher-quality molecules into clinical development with greater speed and precision.

Across the value chain, AI is increasingly becoming an integral part of Bayer’s operations. From end-to-end planning across products and markets worldwide to a next-generation suite of agentic tools, employees are empowered with AI-enabled ways of working.

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