Bayer announces partnership with Russian drug maker Medsintez

Bayer and Medsintez have announced a new strategic partnership that should benefit patients in Russia and beyond.

Bayer HealthCare has entered into a strategic partnership with Russian drug manufacturer Medsintez to produce pharmaceuticals and diagnostic imaging products locally.

The move will strengthen Bayer's business development in Russia's growing market, according to Andreas Fibig, president of Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals.

He said: "It will ultimately serve our customers, patients and doctors in Russia and thus strengthen our competitive position."

The partnership will initially focus on the manufacturing of anti-infective medicines Avelox and Ciprobay, neural disorder treatment Nimotop, and diagnostic imaging products.

However, the companies will also cooperate on the research, development and production of new substances and medicines in the future.

Alexey Podkorytov, chief executive officer of Medsintez, commented that the two companies "will provide top quality products to the market, according to international standards".

He added that the research partnership with Bayer would enable the company to launch new drugs based on molecules developed by Russian research organisations on the global marketplace.