Bayer invests S$14.5 million in Singapore cancer research

Bayer is investing S$14.5 million (US$11 million) in cancer research collaborations with Singapore-based institutions. Bayer collaborates with the National University of Singapore, National University Health System, SingHealth and A*Star’s Singapore Bioimaging Consortium and launches five projects to investigate novel approaches to diagnose and treat cancers.

This collaboration is part of Bayer’s S$20 million investment in research projects with universities, hospitals and research institutes over a period of six years. With the partnership, Bayer hopes to accelerate its drug discovery and development in Asia.

Dr Axel Bouchon, Bayer’s country representative, said: “Singapore has made significant progress in translational and clinical research by offering an experienced team of study coordinators and investigators in clinical research. Researchers are able to access laboratory facilities, scientific infrastructure and specialized services, allowing companies to significantly accelerate development timelines. In Singapore, we can also gather clinical insights into the disease biology of key ethnic groups in Asia.”

Dr Bouchon said he believed there are three elements contributing to the success of research: courage to push toward breakthrough, consistency in the face of ups and downs and brilliant minds. He also said that the most prevalent forms of cancer in Asia are liver, gastric and colon.

Speaking to PharmaAsia, Dr Bouchon said that when appraising which research projects to undertake, the main factor is the area of unmet medical needs where Bayer can provide the greatest benefits to patients.

In 2002, Asia had the largest number of cancer deaths in the world with a total of 3.3 million casualties. In Singapore, cancer is the number one leading cause of death, causing 29.3 percent of deaths in 2009. Deaths from cancer globally are projected to continue rising with an estimated 12 million deaths in 2030.