Bayer pledges 1.5M euros to China hemophilia centers

Germany's Bayer Schering Pharmaceuticals, the top pharmaceutical company in China and a global leader in hemophilia care, has announced a 1.5 million-euro ($1.9 million) pledge to develop hemophilia treatment centers throughout that country. Over the next five years, Bayer's support will fund a variety of necessities, including equipment and supplies, patient programs, educational materials, medical training and nursing support. The Bayer China Hemophilia Treatment Center Development Project is a partnership between Bayer Schering Pharmaceuticals and the Chinese Society of Hematology to improve hemophilia care nationwide.

Around a quarter of the world's hemophilia population (between 70,000 and 100,000 people) resides in China. While there has been tremendous progress over the past few years, the sheer size of the patient population makes diagnosis and treatment a significant health care challenge for the authorities in China. Addressing this challenge will require a strong collaborative effort between the government, the Chinese hemophilia community, the World Federation of Hemophilia and industry partners such as Bayer. With timely diagnosis and proper care, people with the disease can live active, productive lives, the drugmaker says.