Bayer boasts strong R&D pipeline and growth prospects

German pharma major Bayer (BAYN: DE) gave a spirited presentation of its pipeline candidates in both pharma and crop sciences at a “Perspective on Innovation 2014” meeting with journalists yesterday at its Leverkusen headquarters.

The company, which earlier this year announced plans to spin out its MaterialScience business, will henceforth focus on life sciences, and said Bayer is one of the fastest-growing global pharmaceutical companies. Chief executive Marijn Dekkers explained that Bayer’s pharma sales have increased from 10 billion euros ($12.5 billion) in 2010 to 11.2 billion euros in 2013 (growing at 9% in 2012 and 21043), with first nine months 2014 revenues standing at 8.8 billion euros, a rise of 12% on the like 2013 period.

Dr Dekkers said that developing new products is critical to the success of the life science businesses. Equally as important, however, is the ability to market products and gain market shares. In the over-the-counter (OTC) products business, the company is ranked number two in the world, having overtaken Johnson & Johnson, and now right behind the newly-formed joint venture between GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis