Bayer Schering highlights commitment to Thailand

 Chris Lee, Regional Head, Bayer Schering Pharma Asia Pacific, said, "With Thailand being our fifth largest country in the region, we are putting a focus on growth in this market and want to leverage on the growth potential that we perceive in the pharmaceutical market of Thailand."

  This and increasing age-related medical needs by an aging population, with an estimated 20 per cent of the people being over 60 years old by 2025,  but also younger generation demading better products with increased therepeutic benefits are the foundation on which Bayer Schering Pharma in Thailand is building its commitment to this country.

 The innovative treatments to be introduced in Thailand cover the areas of oral contraceptive, anti-clotting drugs, oral pills for advanced kidney and liver cancer, and hemophilia A.

 With its business areas in four core areas - General Medicines, Women's Healthcare, Specialty Medicine and Diagnostic Imaging - Bayer Schering Pharma Thailand achieved its sterling growth with a broad portfolio of reliable long-term staple performers as well as recently launched innovative products - such as the innovative 24/4 regimen oral contraceptive.

 Bayer Schering Pharma Thailand also actively works to increasing Thailand's presence in the company's global clinical trial network with the aim to shorten registration times and increase Thai patients' accessibility to innovative drugs in the future as well as to engage actively in knowledge sharing with local doctors.  In 2008, Thai hospitals participated in 13 international clinical trials, with some 240 patients.  This is a marked increase from 2006, when 3 international clinical trials were conducted in the country.

 Uwe Dalichow, Country Division Head, Bayer Schering Pharma Thailand, said, "Thailand has, despite current challenges, a strong potential to become a medical hub with highly qualified doctors and well-equipped hospitals. Additionally, Thailand's inclusion into the global clinical trial network will help doctors here become more familiar with our products in development. For patients, this means faster access to new and innovative therapies".

 Dalichow adds: "We really believe that the Thai healthcare sector has potential despite a number of problems that remain to be solved. We see the long-term potential and are committed not only with innovative products but also with increased services to create awareness for prevention of health problems as well as management of diseases."