| March 12,
2003
Bayer Biological Products (BP) announced today a $40,000 donation to the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) in recognition of its 40 years of exemplary service to the global bleeding disorders community. The funds will help support WFH activities on World Hemophilia Day 2003, which will be celebrated on April 17 in honor of the birthday of Frank Schnabel, a person with hemophilia who founded the WFH in 1963. The donation further exemplifies Bayer's continuing commitment to people living with bleeding disorders around the world.
In the 40 years since the organization was founded, WFH has become the leading international not-for-profit organization dedicated to introducing, improving and maintaining care for people with hemophilia and related bleeding disorders around the world. It serves as the representative for the global bleeding disorders community, with member national hemophilia organizations in 101 countries, and official recognition by the World Health Organization.
"WFH is proud to be celebrating our 40th anniversary in 2003. Although much
progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to improve access to care for so many patients around the world. World Hemophilia Day is a major way we strive to increase awareness of this need. We are pleased that Bayer has made a very generous grant to support our effort," said Brian O'Mahony, WFH president.
"We would like to extend our congratulations to the World Federation of
Hemophilia on its 40th anniversary," said Dr. Gunnar Riemann, president, Bayer Biological Products Division. "Bayer is pleased to offer financial support in recognition of World Hemophilia Day and to assist WFH in its efforts to improve the lives of people with hemophilia through financial grants and product donations for distribution to areas of need."
Bayer's commitment to improving hemophilia care worldwide includes the
development of technologically advanced products for treating hemophilia, as well as supporting the global hemophilia community through organizations such as WFH. Mary Bauman, director of Global Strategic Marketing, Coagulation, commented that Bayer BP continues to make significant product donations to help decrease the gap that exists between available treatment and those in need of care around the world. In 2002 alone, Bayer BP donated over 15 million units of Koâte® DVI, Antihemophilic Factor (Human), and Kogenate® FS/KOGENATE® Bayer, Antihemophilic Factor (Recombinant) Formulated with Sucrose for distribution by WFH in developing countries.
In its efforts to introduce, improve, and maintain care for people with hemophilia and related bleeding disorders around the world, WFH has worked with national hemophilia organizations, health care providers, and government officials to foster quality health care for people with bleeding disorders through various development programs and publications. The WFH helps to strengthen and unite the hemophilia community by encouraging the transfer of knowledge and skills between countries with well-developed hemophilia care and those where care is lacking. The WFH is also involved in fostering discussion on key issues such as safety and supply of blood products that are critical to the hemophilia community worldwide.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions
and forecasts made by Bayer Group management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors could lead to material
differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company, and the estimates given
here. These factors include those discussed in our public reports filed with the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and with the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission (including our Form 20-F).
The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements
or to conform them to future events or developments.
Contact:
Tricia McKernan
Bayer Biological Products
+1-(0)919/316-6316
E-mail: tricia.mckernan.b@bayer.com
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