Bayer Radiology Unveils China's First Class III-Certified CT Power Injector MEDRAD® Centargo at the 7th CIIE

On the afternoon of November 6, 2024, the second day of the 7th China International Import Expo, Bayer Imaging held its “Innovation Day” under the theme “Shaping the Future, Empowering New Life,” featuring MEDRAD, the first high-pressure injection system approved with a Class III medical device registration certificate in China.^®Centargo Launch Ceremony. Guests including Wang Houting, Deputy Director of the Beijing Municipal Medical Products Administration; Hou Yan, Chairman of the China Association of Medical Equipment; and Professor Li Zhenlin, Chair of the Imaging Technology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, gathered at the event to discuss digital trends and the future of the medical imaging industry, promote the development of diagnostic radiology, and witness Bayer’s innovative achievements in diagnostic imaging within the Chinese market in recent years.

(Group photo at the event)

Meanwhile, Mr. Andreas Baumann, Global President of Bayer’s Diagnostic Imaging business, made his inaugural appearance at the China International Import Expo (CIIE), sharing with attendees insights into Bayer Diagnostic Imaging’s development in China and its global innovations. In his address, Mr. Baumann stated, “Collaboration and innovation have always been central to Bayer’s commitments and practices. By fostering ‘new-quality’ growth through collaboration, we engage in extensive and in-depth technological partnerships across the industry chain to achieve mutual success and drive the Chinese pharmaceutical industry toward innovative development. Bayer regards China as a vital innovation hub and is dedicated to advancing cutting-edge, effective, and innovative solutions from China for global benefit.”

(Mr. Andehua's Speech)

In recent years, the medical imaging industry has witnessed an unprecedented wave of innovation, with the state imposing higher requirements for the upgrading and transformation of medical equipment. The government not only encourages healthcare institutions to appropriately adopt forward-looking configurations of medical equipment to enhance the quality and efficiency of medical services, but also explicitly emphasizes the importance of informatization in medical equipment, actively promoting the deployment and application of information-enabled medical devices. Meanwhile, the close integration of industry, academia, and research has driven deep convergence in areas such as AI technology, data security, and personalized medicine, significantly accelerating the intelligent transformation of medical imaging diagnostics. Under this trend toward intelligence, the demands for innovation from both the healthcare system and patients have become increasingly clear. Against this backdrop, panelists engaged in a roundtable discussion themed “Innovation Leading the Future of Imaging Diagnosis,” jointly exploring innovation trends in the medical imaging industry, intelligentization needs, and the significance of medical device classification for patients.

(Roundtable Discussion)

From a regulatory perspective, Wang Houting, Deputy Director of the Beijing Municipal Medical Products Administration, pointed out: “The registration of Class III medical device products is subject to strict approval,” MEDRAD^®“As the first product to receive Bayer’s Class III imported medical device registration certificate, the Centargo high-pressure injection system represents safety and reliability. Intelligent medical imaging diagnostic equipment is a hallmark of new-quality productive forces, and we look forward to establishing more systematic and comprehensive application scenarios in the future.”

 (Wang Houting, Deputy Director of the Beijing Municipal Medical Products Administration)

Hou Yan, Chairman of the China Association of Medical Equipment, stated: “The intelligent transformation of the medical technology industry is advancing with irresistible momentum. Innovative technologies are not only shaping the overall development of the industry but also exerting a significant impact on the social medical service system and its models. We are delighted to witness the profound changes undergone by domestic medical enterprises amidst this technological revolution, driven by national support and market demand. In this regard, we acknowledge the significant contributions made by multinational corporations such as Bayer, which have successfully localized the production of their exhibited innovations in China. By leveraging intelligent approaches, these efforts benefit a broader population of Chinese patients, while innovative technologies continue to lead the future direction of the industry.”

(Hou Yan, President of the China Association of Medical Equipment)

Professor Li Zhenlin, Chairman of the Imaging Technology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, stated: “Currently, there are significant gaps in data collection during processes such as the mutual recognition of medical examination and test results at primary healthcare institutions. MEDRAD”^®“Centargo’s approval for Class III medical device registration has highlighted the advantages of intelligent, informatized, and standardized products to the industry. This not only allows patients to enjoy the convenience brought by technological advancements but also better empowers frontline healthcare professionals through personalized and precise features.”

(Li Zhenlin, Chairman of the Chinese Society of Radiology Technology)

Hu Wenjing, General Manager of Bayer’s Diagnostic Imaging Division, stated at the event: “Today marks Bayer’s Diagnostic Imaging Innovation Day. At Bayer, we firmly believe that only through continuous innovation can we better serve the cause of public health. We look forward to collaborating with more partners in the future to contribute more Chinese medical innovations to the world.”

(Hu Wenjing, General Manager of Bayer's Diagnostic Imaging Division)

At the event, on-site guests and Bayer Imaging jointly launched MEDRAD, the first high-pressure injection system in China to receive Class III medical device approval.^®Centargo. Upholding Bayer’s tradition of innovation in the CT field, MEDRAD^®Centargo features a multi-patient tubing system with three piston-driven injection channels and offers informatization and intelligent modules, leading the future with its core advantages centered on the principle of “intelligent efficiency, speed, precision, and stability.”

· Minimalist Operation, Ultra-High Efficiency: The Day Set for daily consumables features a simplified installation method, enabling rapid and effortless replacement of patient tubing. The integrated design of the contrast media barcode reader and syringe allows for immediate scanning of contrast media information within the scan room. Additionally, the syringe is equipped with a touch screen, which streamlines operational procedures for healthcare professionals and significantly enhances their work efficiency.

· Precision Injection, Superior Imaging: The intelligent clinical solution features the Smart Protocol module, which customizes injection plans for each patient to comprehensively ensure high-quality imaging and deliver a more precise diagnostic and therapeutic experience. The informatics-based clinical solution significantly reduces manual data entry for physicians, while diverse data presentations—such as data logs and consumable reports—facilitate infusion information management and departmental administration.

· Intelligent Stability, Confidence Assured: The system integrates the latest active air management, adaptive flow rate technology, and intelligent solutions to ensure patient safety and prevent overpressure. It delivers personalized injection protocols for every examination, providing robust support for clinical quality control, long-term follow-up, and precise diagnostic decision-making by physicians.

（MEDRAD^® Centargo）

For many years, Bayer Imaging Diagnostics has been committed to introducing more advanced global imaging diagnostic products to China, providing Chinese patients and physicians with cutting-edge diagnostic imaging solutions. Looking ahead, Bayer Imaging will further expand its innovation investments in China, collaborate with a wide range of partners, and deepen its engagement in the field of intelligent medical imaging. By delivering more precise and efficient diagnostic solutions for physicians and patients, Bayer aims to jointly promote the transformation and upgrading of China’s healthcare industry and inject new momentum into its high-quality development.

As a multinational corporation, Bayer possesses core competencies in the life science sectors of health and agriculture. Upholding its mission to “Share Health, Eliminate Hunger,” the company is dedicated to helping people overcome major challenges posed by global population growth and aging through its products and services, thereby contributing to human well-being and the prosperity of the planet. Bayer is committed to advancing sustainability and generating a positive impact through its business operations. Meanwhile, the Group enhances profitability and creates value through technological innovation and business growth. Globally, the Bayer brand stands for trustworthiness, reliability, and quality. In fiscal year 2023, Bayer employed approximately 100,000 people, reported sales of €47.6 billion, and invested €5.4 billion in research and development, excluding special items.

Bayer boasts a century-long heritage in the field of radiology, dedicated to delivering innovative products and high-quality services. Bayer’s Imaging Diagnostics portfolio encompasses contrast media for computed tomography (CT), X-ray, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); devices for the precise management of contrast media administration; informatics solutions that support efficient and optimal patient care; and widely recognized medical education and training programs. Furthermore, Bayer is committed to research and development, leveraging artificial intelligence to further drive innovation in the field of medical imaging. All these products empower radiologists in their clinical tasks, providing clear guidance from diagnosis to treatment.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements made 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 future operating results, financial position, development, or performance to differ materially from the estimates presented in such forward-looking statements. These factors are disclosed in Bayer’s reports published on its official website at www.bayer.com. Bayer assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements or to adapt them to future events or developments.