BAYER AG S/ADR (BAYRY) news covers developments at Bayer AG, a global life science enterprise active in health care and nutrition. Company communications highlight updates across its Pharmaceuticals Division, radiology business and crop science activities, giving investors and observers insight into how Bayer advances its pipeline and product portfolio.
Recent pharmaceutical news emphasizes growth in oncology, cardiology, neurology, immunology and women’s health. Examples include updates on asundexian for secondary stroke prevention, finerenone (Kerendia) in cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic conditions, and oncology assets such as Nubeqa for prostate cancer, Hyrnuo for HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer, and Xofigo for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with bone metastases. Bayer also reports on Lynkuet, a hormone-free treatment for moderate to severe hot flashes due to menopause, and a Phase III SUNFLOWER study evaluating Mirena for nonatypical endometrial hyperplasia.
News items also describe Bayer’s work in radiology and molecular imaging, including the low-dose MRI contrast agent gadoquatrane and the acquisition of investigational tracers AT-01 and AT-05 for diagnosing cardiac amyloidosis. Additional coverage highlights cell and gene therapy programs for Parkinson’s disease and ophthalmic conditions, as well as collaborations such as the agreement with Soufflé Therapeutics to develop a heart-targeted siRNA therapy for a form of dilated cardiomyopathy.
On the agriculture side, Bayer Crop Science Canada announcements feature launches like Sivanto Energy for flea beetle control in canola and EverGol Rise for pulse disease control. Together, these updates illustrate how Bayer seeks to execute its mission “Health for all, Hunger for none” through pharmaceutical innovation, diagnostic imaging advances and crop protection solutions.
ONIT Sciences announced that Eric Mathur, a distinguished plant geneticist and molecular biologist, has been appointed as the company’s Chief Science Officer. With over 40 years of experience, Mathur has expertise in genome sciences, molecular biology, and agricultural biotechnology. He aims to enhance ONIT's research and development efforts and has already initiated field trials to optimize the company’s products for various applications, including cattle ranching. ONIT Sciences, founded in 2018, focuses on increasing crop yield and plant health through organic technologies.
PRT Growing Services Ltd., a leader in container-grown forest seedlings, has appointed Collin Phillip as Chief Commercial Officer and Marlene Higgins as Chief People Officer. These strategic hires are aimed at enhancing PRT’s position for future growth. Phillip brings a strong background in sales and supply chain from companies like Corteva Agriscience and The Monsanto Company, while Higgins has extensive HR experience from Structurlam. Together, they are expected to drive success in expanding PRT’s services and nurturing its workforce.
Bactobio Ltd, a London-based biotechnology firm, has successfully closed an oversubscribed £6 million bridge financing round led by Bridford Group. The round included notable supporters such as former executives from Novozymes and Monsanto, alongside new investors from fintech companies. The funds will enhance Bactobio's discovery pipeline and further its work in developing safer antimicrobial solutions from unexplored microbes. CEO Dr. Daniel Hansen expressed pride in the company's progress and continued support from high-caliber investors.
Pivot Bio, a leader in nitrogen innovation, announced significant management changes to support its growth. Roger Underwood joins as independent director and Chairperson, bringing extensive ag tech experience. Lisa Safarian is promoted to President & COO, overseeing operations after leading Bayer's $9.5 billion North American crop science business. Evan Wittenberg is appointed as Chief People Officer, and Ernie Sanders is promoted to Senior VP of Product Innovation, focusing on expanding product offerings. These changes aim to enhance Pivot Bio's commitment to providing farmers with reliable nitrogen solutions.
PPG has announced the appointment of Tim Knavish as the new President and CEO effective January 1, 2023. Knavish, who has served as COO since March, will succeed Michael McGarry, who transitions to Executive Chairman after leading the company since September 2015. The change is expected to enhance PPG's growth strategy amid current economic challenges. Knavish brings extensive experience from various leadership roles at PPG, which operates globally and reported $16.8 billion in net sales for 2021.
Bayer has appointed William Dodero as the new U.S. General Counsel effective January 1, 2023. He succeeds Scott Partridge, who is leaving to focus on dispute resolution. Dodero brings 20 years of experience with Bayer and has successfully led the company's legal strategies in various areas, including the Roundup litigation. He will oversee compliance, corporate law, and other legal functions. Patrick Lockwood-Taylor, President of Bayer U.S., expressed enthusiasm about Dodero's leadership amid growing challenges in food security and healthcare.
Prime Medicine has appointed Wendy Chung, Kaye Foster, and Michael A. Kelly to its board of directors. These new members bring extensive experience in research and development, financial management, and human resources, enhancing the company’s leadership. CEO Keith Gottesdiener emphasized the importance of a strong team to advance their novel Prime Editing technology, which aims to provide one-time curative genetic therapies for a wide range of diseases. This appointment is expected to support the company’s goal of delivering potentially life-changing treatments.
The Fears Nachawati law firm is urging a federal judge to reject a proposed settlement between Bayer (OTCMKTS: BAYZF, BAYRY) and consumers seeking reimbursement for Roundup. They allege that the settlement could limit cancer victims' ability to seek justice. Representing over 4,000 cancer victims, the firm raises concerns about collusion due to generous legal fees and ambiguous language that may protect Monsanto from damages. Previous attempts at a similar settlement were blocked by the JPML. Notably, several trials have found that Roundup exposure causes cancer, leading to multimillion-dollar verdicts.
A panel has denied Bayer's request to settle lawsuits linked to its Roundup herbicide, impacting ongoing multidistrict litigation affecting thousands of cancer victims. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ruled on Oct. 8, transferring the case to U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria, who has previously rejected settlements from Monsanto. Legal representatives criticized Bayer's actions as an attempt to limit justice for cancer victims, emphasizing the judge's capability to handle such cases. Three prior bellwether trials have ruled against Bayer, affirming that Roundup exposure caused cancer.
Bayer's impact investment arm, Leaps by Bayer, has co-led a USD 15 million Series A investment in Andes, an innovator in seed treatment technology. This investment aims to advance Andes' 'Microprime' technology, which reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers by enhancing nitrogen fixation from the air. The initial Microprime corn seeds provide 30 to 50 lbs/acre of nitrogen. Additionally, Andes is developing carbon capture solutions to sequester CO2, targeting gigatons of annual emissions reduction. The funding supports scaling these eco-friendly innovations in the U.S. and South America.