Bayer Partners with Tsinghua University to Boost Pharmaceutical Research in China
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Bayer has signed a new agreement with Tsinghua University (THU) to continue their collaboration in pharmaceutical research and development.
The renewed partnership, which builds on 16 years of joint efforts, will focus on advancing drug discovery across several key areas, including oncology, cardiovascular and renal diseases, neurology, rare diseases, and immunology.
As part of the agreement, Bayer will provide ongoing funding and scientific support for joint research projects, recognising THU’s strengths in life sciences and pharmaceutical innovation. The partnership aims to accelerate the translation of academic research into practical therapies and strengthen scientific exchange between academia and industry.
Since its launch in 2009, the collaboration has led to over 70 joint research projects and more than 10 publications in leading academic journals. In 2022, the Bayer Microfunding programme was introduced to support early-stage research, with nine projects receiving funding so far.
The collaboration is part of Bayer’s wider research strategy, which includes partnerships with leading Chinese institutions such as Peking University. These efforts have supported more than 100 joint projects focused on target discovery, disease mechanisms, drug screening, and new treatment technologies.
China, now the world’s second-largest pharmaceutical market, plays an increasingly important role in global drug development. Bayer has a longstanding presence in the country, with two R&D centres, four production facilities, and a strong clinical trial footprint covering both early and late-stage development.
In a further move to support local innovation, Bayer opened a new Co.Lab site in China in September 2024. The incubator is designed to host 10 to 15 biotech startups working on cutting-edge solutions in areas such as oncology, cell and gene therapy, and novel drug platforms. Five companies have already joined the initiative.
Additionally, Bayer has partnered with Puhe BioPharma on the development of a PRMT5 inhibitor targeting MTAP-deleted tumours. The collaboration has entered clinical testing, with the first participant enrolled in a Phase I study.
Through these efforts, Bayer continues to expand its role in China’s innovation landscape and contribute to the development of next-generation therapies.
Source: bayer.com
