| (May 15,
2003)
Every month at about the same time, Joel Schumacher, a guitarist who
toured with Jerry Lee Lewis, counts on a FedEx Express courier to be on time.
But it is not a catalog order of new guitar picks that Joel is expecting. It is
a critically important medicine called Prolastin®, Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitor
(Human), that helps Joel, who has a debilitating lung disease called alpha-1,
breathe easier.
Joel counts on the courier to be there, and the courier comes through
every month. And, as a result of his dedication, the courier and his FedEx
Express colleagues will be recognized by Bayer HealthCare, maker of Prolastin®,
as "Corporate Partner of the Year" at the FedEx Express world headquarters in
Memphis May 15.
FedEx Express has been the exclusive carrier for Prolastin® since
deliveries began in October 1999.
"I admit, I've never really given the logistics behind my Prolastin®
shipment much thought," says Joel, who was diagnosed with alpha-1 antitrypsin
deficiency three years ago. "But I know that I get my treatment on time and
appreciate everything Bayer and FedEx Express do together to make that happen."
Through the award, Bayer is expressing its gratitude for the high level of
professional and personal commitment demonstrated by the FedEx Express team.
"This is more than a success story about a unique delivery system; this is
a story about making a commitment to alpha-1 patients. The FedEx Express team is
a reliable business partner, but what's even more important is that its team
members share our passion for this patient community," said Joe Zuraw, director
of Bayer DirectTM, the program through which the collaboration exists.
"Throughout the years, as FedEx has knocked on doors, asked for signatures, and
delivered Prolastin®, Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitor (Human), they also have built
relationships and become a part of the community in a positive, caring, and
committed way. From dock to doorstep, the Bayer DirectTM/FedEx team delivers
stellar service - for that we are grateful."
And the stellar service is beyond simply staying true to a business
agreement. FedEx has made a significant investment in ensuring the drug is
handled safely, as well as maintaining a highly secure environment.
"When we were approached with this opportunity by Bayer, we knew the
product we were dealing with would require some customized structural and
delivery changes," said Jerry Beyl, vice president of Worldwide Services at
FedEx. "The team that handles Prolastin® on a day-to-day basis has been trained
to ensure quality control and handle the whole process meticulously." Procedures
that FedEx Express incorporates during the delivery of Prolastin® include
special package handling and the ability to track the status of shipments from
pickup to delivery through the FedEx network.
"The role of FedEx Express in making sure Prolastin® gets to alpha-1
patients when and where they need it, is a reflection of our expertise in
delivering a full range of high-value, time-sensitive items to customers around
the world through our extensive global network," Beyl said. "It also displays
the ability - and flexibility - of FedEx Express in designing and implementing
solutions that precisely meet our customers' needs."
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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