German firm Bayer and Peking University (PKU) in China will collaborate to foster the translation of basic pharmaceutical research into drug discovery and development, while accelerating scientific research on cutting-edge technologies across the pharmaceutical value chain.

The collaboration will focus on selected key areas of interests, such as oncology, cardiorenal, immunology, as well as cell and gene therapy. Under the agreement, Bayer will provide funding and support for joint research projects, as well as to scientists at PKU in recognition of their research excellence in life sciences and drug innovation.

This new agreement builds on a strategic academic partnership between Bayer and PKU under which a joint research center at Peking University has been founded to advance the translation of drug discovery and research.

Academic collaborations have been an integral part of Bayer’s long-standing commitment to fostering drug innovation originated in China and the translation of drug discovery and research. Bayer established strategic collaborations with Peking University and Tsinghua University respectively. Bayer and the two universities are carrying out joint research projects, including discovery and structural analysis of novel targets, pathogenesis and drug mechanism of action research, drug screening, efficacy evaluation as well as exploration on new modalities, new synthetic methods, and innovative formulations.