Bayer Donates Antibiotics With A Wholesale Value Of More Than US$ 25 Million To MAP International For Africa And Latin America

Main Category: Aid / Disasters
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses;  Tropical Diseases
Article Date: 28 Dec 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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Bayer HealthCare has given a donation of Cipro® with a wholesale value of more than US$ 25 million to MAP (Medical Assistance Programs) International. The aid organization will distribute the critically needed antibiotic to clinics and hospitals in Africa and Latin America that are fighting on the front lines in the battle against diseases of poverty where there is little or no access to essential medicines.

“The successful and ambitious work of MAP is impressive,” said Dr. Gunnar Riemann, Head of Bayer HealthCare’s Pharmaceuticals Division, following the official signing of the agreement. “We are delighted to be able to contribute to their health programs with our donation.”

MAP International President and CEO Michael J. Nyenhuis says the donation of this specific drug is particularly significant in MAP’s work to save lives in impoverished communities.

“More than 20,000 people die each day in Africa from preventable diseases,” said Mr. Nyenhuis. “By joining MAP in collaboration, Bayer will help us to save lives in areas of the world where there is little or no access to essential medicines like Cipro®. With many people earning less than the equivalent of US$ 1 a day, life-saving antibiotics are beyond their economic reach. Bayer is helping MAP to bridge this gap in poor countries.”

Cipro® (ciprofloxacin) is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections. Cipro® tablets and suspension are used to treat pneumonia, bronchitis, some types of gonorrhea, bacterial diarrhea, typhoid fever, and bone, joint, skin, prostate, sinus and urinary tract infections.

About MAP International

MAP International headquartered in Brunswick, Georgia (USA), is one of the fifty largest non-profit organizations. Founded in 1954 as Medical Assistance Programs, MAP International today promotes the total health of impoverished people in over 115 countries. MAP distributes more than US$ 300 million in donated live-saving medicines and health supplies to over 100 countries annually.

Bayer HealthCare

Bayer HealthCare, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is one of the world’s leading, innovative companies in the health care and medical products industry based in Leverkusen/Germany. In 2005, the Bayer HealthCare subgroup generated sales amounting to some €9.4 billion. Bayer HealthCare employed 33,800 people world-wide in 2005.

The company combines the global activities of the divisions Animal Health, Consumer Care, Diabetes Care, Diagnostics and Pharmaceuticals. Since January 1, 2006, the new Pharmaceuticals Division consists of the former Biological Products and Pharmaceuticals Division and now comprises three business units: Hematology/Cardiology, Oncology and Primary Care.

Bayer HealthCare’s aim is to discover and manufacture products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. The products enhance well-being and quality of life by diagnosing, preventing and treating diseases.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in our public reports filed with the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (including our Form 20-F).The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Bayer HealthCare
Bayer HealthCare

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