Bayer has announced a three-year extension of its long-standing research collaboration with Tsinghua University, marking the sixth phase of its partnership, which began in 2009. The expanded partnership will focus on accelerating drug discovery and development across key therapeutic areas including oncology, cardiovascular diseases, renal diseases, neurology, rare diseases, and immunology.

Under the terms of the deal, Bayer will continue to provide funding and scientific support for joint research initiatives. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.¹

How Will Bayer’s Extended Partnership with Tsinghua University Accelerate Pharmaceutical Innovation in China?

“The innovation ecosystem in China is rapidly evolving, marked with remarkable advancements in scientific and medical research,” said Christian Rommel, global head, research, development, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, in a press release. “This progress is driven by the dedicated efforts and strong collaborations among innovators of science and business. We are proud that our partnership with Tsinghua University has set a benchmark for scientific research collaboration between multinational pharmaceutical companies and high-profile academic institutions in China. We look forward to this strategic alliance continuing to expand the frontiers of cutting-edge science and translating groundbreaking discoveries into transformative treatments for patients.”

According to Bayer, the collaboration has previously resulted in over 70 projects and more than 10 high-impact publications. Additionally, the partnership includes the Bayer Microfunding program, which has supported early-stage translational research for nine projects since 2022.¹

Strategic Moves Complement Bayer’s Expanding Research Footprint

The move comes months after Bayer announced a global license agreement with Puhe BioPharma to obtain an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture, and commercialize Puhe’s small molecule PRMT5 inhibitor, which selectively targets methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP)-deleted tumors. The inhibitor is currently in a Phase I first-in-human dose escalation trial for the treatment of MTAP-deleted solid tumors.²

China’s Regulatory Reforms Accelerate Clinical Trial Review Process

The extended partnership also comes as China moves to accelerate clinical trial reviews. Earlier this month, the country’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) announced a proposal to decrease its review period from 60 days to 30 days.³

Currently, over 80% of Bayer’s multi-center clinical trials are conducted in China. In September 2024, the company launched a new site in China, with the goal of developing up to 15 startup companies focused on innovations in oncology, cardiovascular diseases, renal diseases, new technology platforms, and cell and gene therapies.¹

Tsinghua Partnership Continues to Propel Global Healthcare Advancements

“Over the past sixteen years, Tsinghua University and Bayer have forged a trusted and synergistic partnership that has continuously advanced the integration of scientific discovery and pharmaceutical innovation,” said Hongwei Wang, professor, school of life sciences, VP, Tsinghua University, 2018 Bayer Endowed Chair, in the press release. “This collaboration has supported cutting-edge research targeting major global health challenges and has become a model for end-to-end cooperation between Chinese universities and international pharmaceutical companies. The signing of the sixth-phase agreement marks a significant milestone in our shared mission to accelerate the translation of basic research into impactful therapies. We greatly value this long-standing strategic collaboration with Bayer. Moving forward, Tsinghua will continue to leverage its strengths in disciplines, talent, and research platforms to explore the frontiers of original innovation with Bayer and contribute to the sustainable advancement of global healthcare.”

References

1. Bayer extends partnership with Tsinghua University to accelerate pharmaceutical research in China. Bayer. June 24, 2025. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://www.bayer.com/media/en-us/bayer-extends-partnership-with-tsinghua-university-to-accelerate-pharmaceutical-research-in-china/
2. Bayer and Puhe BioPharma enter into global license agreement for clinical phase I PRMT5 inhibitor. Bayer. March 26, 2025. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://www.bayer.com/media/en-us/bayer-and-puhe-biopharma-enter-into-global-license-agreement-for-clinical-phase-i-prmt5-inhibitor/
3. FDA to Launch National Priority Voucher Program to Speed Drug Reviews for Critical Therapies. PharmExec. June 18, 2025. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://www.pharmexec.com/view/fda-national-priority-voucher-program