Bayer Showcases Cardio-Renal Innovations Verquvo® and Kerendia® at CIIE, Advancing Dual-Circulation Model for CVD Management

Bayer Advances at the CIIE PlatformStandardized Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases"Dual Circulation" Model

ShanghaiNovember 6, 2022PR Newswire -- The 5th China International Import Expo (hereinafter referred to as "CIIE") has sounded the rallying call for innovation. As a "long-time friend" of CIIE, Bayer, a global leader in life sciences, has participated in the event for five consecutive years. This year marks Bayer's 140th anniversary in China, and the company continues to uphold its corporate vision of "Health for All, Hunger for None." Under the theme of "Bayer's 140 Years in China: Unleashing Infinite Vitality," Bayer is showcasing its innovative achievements in a comprehensive manner.

Cardiovascular disease is the primary health issue that China urgently needs to address. In China, 330 million people suffer from cardiovascular-related diseases, with one in every five adults affected by cardiovascular conditions. On average, one person dies from cardiovascular disease every 10 seconds. The "Healthy China 2030" plan and the "Healthy China Initiative (2019-2030)" have set clear requirements for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing the need to ensure cardiovascular health for every Chinese citizen.

The cardiovascular field is one of Bayer's long-term focuses and strengths. The legendary aspirin, with a history of 125 years, was born in Bayer's laboratory, as well as the antihypertensive drug Bayxin Tong.^®(Nifedipine Controlled-Release Tablets) have benefited millions of hypertension patients worldwide with their unique controlled-release formulation, and the groundbreaking new oral anticoagulant, Xarelto.^®(Rivaroxaban Tablets) have revolutionized the traditional anticoagulation treatment model. This year, Bayer's prescription pharmaceuticals division has introduced two groundbreaking innovative drugs.--Verquvo^®(Vericiguat Tablets) and Kerendia^®(Finerenone Tablets).

Enjoy the "Innovation Acceleration" of CIIE, Bayer's Dual Exhibits for Heart and Kidney "Transform from Exhibits to Products"

Verquvo (vecori), which was approved in China this May^®(Vericiguat Tablets) isThe FirstA soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator used for the treatment of chronic heart failure features a novel mechanism of action that further reduces the overall risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization due to heart failure on top of standard therapy. Moreover, it has minimal drug interactions, exerts a small effect on blood pressure, does not influence potassium levels or renal function, and thus has broader applications.

Kerendia, which was approved in China this June^®(Finerenone Tablets) isThe FirstThe non-steroidal, selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist approved for chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes acts on critical factors of disease progression untouched by existing standard therapies. Its approval marks Bayer's official entry into the field of chronic kidney disease diagnosis and treatment.

It is worth mentioning that the CIIE has witnessed the entire process of two products being "simultaneously researched, synchronously submitted, and concurrently approved" both in and outside of China. In the first two editions of the CIIE, they were exhibited as products with future potential and garnered widespread attention both within and outside the industry due to their novel mechanism of action. As a result, they quickly gained approval in China thanks to the "CIIE speed" and "China speed." At this fifth CIIE, the two drugs are officially participating as commercial products, showcasing to the industry and the public the development driven by innovation and the benefits of international exchange and cooperation for patients worldwide.

In China, Bayer^®Hecsenda^®In the clinical multicenter study, Chinese experts actively participated and provided valuable data from China, laying a solid foundation for the simultaneous submission and approval of the product. In June 2020, Verquvo^®Submitted for marketing authorization in Europe and simultaneously submitted in China in August of the same year. Kesenda^®An application for marketing authorization was submitted in Europe in November 2020, followed by an application in China in February of the following year, with an interval of no more than three months. Both products received approval in China during the same period as their approval in Europe.

Bayer AG Senior Vice President of Prescription Medicine Division, Ms. Ziping Hu, stated: "At this CIIE, we are highlighting Verquvo, a drug for the treatment of chronic heart failure.^®And the drug Invokana, which is used to treat chronic kidney disease associated with diabetes^®"This is the debut of the two products in China after their approval, and the CIIE has witnessed their entire process from clinical trials to submission and final approval. It is the best example of the 'spillover effect' of the CIIE and also represents Bayer's continued commitment to the health of Chinese patients."

Leverage the CIIE Platform to Advance the "Dual Circulation" Model for Standardized Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases

"The proposal to build a new development pattern with the domestic large cycle as the main body and the mutual promotion of domestic and international dual cycles has pointed the way for future development, namely, the two markets and two resources at home and abroad, to facilitate the domestic large cycle and the domestic and international dual cycles. The CIIE Bureau and the CIIE in Shanghai have been playing a role as a weathervane in promoting the 'dual circulation' new development pattern, using practical actions to tell the world that the new development pattern is not a closed domestic cycle but an open domestic and international dual cycle."

Bayer actively integrates into the "dual circulation" new development pattern, closely communicates with peers through the CIIE, exchanges innovative disease management concepts with all sectors of society, and gradually establishes the "dual circulation" concept of standardized diagnosis and treatment for cardiovascular diseases together with authoritative experts, societies, and associations — that is, the dual circulation of "Chinese practice" and "international experience."

Chairman of the Heart Failure Center Alliance and Professor Yang Jiefu from Beijing Hospital stated: "Although China's capabilities in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases have made significant progress, many issues still exist, such as non-standardized diagnosis and treatment and the lack of long-term effective management. Under the guidance of the Healthy China strategy, our healthcare industry is actively practicing a 'dual circulation' development model. By integrating the superior resources of all parties and promoting multiple cooperative projects, we have summarized a model based on the needs of Chinese patients that fits China’s medical system. This improves the standardization and normalization of diagnosis and treatment across China and shares China’s excellent experiences with global peers, forming a virtuous cycle centered on patients, characterized by mutual assistance, orderly competition, and win-win cooperation. Together, we will promote standardized diagnosis and treatment and long-term management of cardiovascular diseases to minimize their disability and mortality rates."

When discussing the "Heart Failure Center Construction Project," Professor Yang Jiefu said: "In recent years, there have been numerous measures for the prevention and treatment of heart failure, and innovative drugs have become increasingly abundant, playing a significant role in the effective management of heart failure. Bayer's innovative drug Verquvo..."^®As a representative of new mechanism for heart failure treatment approved for marketing in China, it has led the treatment of heart failure into a 'new era of multi-pathway combination therapy.' To further improve the diagnosis and treatment level of heart failure, the Heart Alliance and Bayer have jointly launched the Heart Failure Center Construction Project. This initiative provides heart failure patients with a full life-cycle management plan covering screening, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, nursing, and follow-up. It promotes graded diagnosis and treatment as well as two-way referral, establishing a united front for the prevention, treatment, and management of heart failure. This effort will boost the standardization and normalization of heart failure diagnosis and treatment in China, providing strong support for the health of numerous heart failure patients and the general public."

Ms. Hu Ziping stated: "2022 marks the 140th anniversary of Bayer's presence in China. Over the years, we have been deeply rooted here. Bayer boasts strong R&D capabilities and a rich product portfolio, and we are committed to continuous innovation to bring better, cutting-edge therapies to patients. At the same time, Bayer is actively involved in building China’s disease prevention and control system to address the challenges posed by population growth and aging. The pharmaceutical exhibition at the CIIE fully demonstrates China's determination and belief in pursuing high-quality development. This inspires Bayer to continue leveraging our strengths to benefit more patients in China by constantly launching innovative products."

Upholding a Century of Legacy, Fulfilling China's Promise

2022 marks the 140th anniversary of Bayer in China and its fifth consecutive year participating in the CIIE. The theme slogan of the CIIE, "New Era, Shared Future," aligns with Bayer's vision of "Health for All, Hunger for None," both conveying a shared aspiration for mutual cooperation and win-win outcomes. We believe the CIIE will further establish a new type of international public platform characterized by global inclusiveness, open collaboration, and mutually beneficial development, enabling the world to share in the achievements of China’s "New Era" development and advancing economic globalization towards greater openness, inclusiveness, universal benefit, balance, and win-win progress.

China is one of the most important strategic markets for Bayer's global business, and Bayer has always been a steadfast partner in China’s development. We are highly confident in China’s future development and in the successful hosting of the CIIE. Bayer will continue to focus on patients, prioritize the most urgent clinical needs, and collaborate with all stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry to contribute towards the realization of Healthy China 2030.

About Bayer

Bayer, as a multinational enterprise, has core competencies in health and agriculture within the life sciences field. The company is committed to helping people overcome major challenges brought about by global population growth and aging through its products and services, benefiting humanity and the prosperity of the planet. Bayer is dedicated to promoting sustainable development and having a positive impact on its business. At the same time, the group enhances profitability and creates value through technological innovation and business growth. Globally, the Bayer brand stands for trustworthiness, reliability, and quality. In the 2021 fiscal year, Bayer had approximately 100,000 employees and sales of 44.1 billion euros. Research and development expenditure, excluding special items, amounted to 5.4 billion euros. For more information, please seewww.bayer.com。

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements by the management of Bayer AG based on current assumptions and forecasts. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors could cause the company's actual operational results, financial condition, development, or performance in the future to differ materially from the estimates provided in the above forward-looking statements. These factors are disclosed on Bayer's official website.www.bayer.comThe various reports of Bayer published in China. The Company has no obligation to update these forward-looking statements or to align them with future events or developments.