Bayer eyes local innovation, collaboration at CIIE

Nelson Ambrogio, the president of Bayer Radiology, called the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai as a remarkable avenue for fostering collaborations with industry peers and governmental bodies.

"This is a fantastic platform to interact with other companies, to interact with the government and look for collaborations," said Ambrogio at the expo.

Ambrogio, a seasoned veteran with 25 years in the healthcare sector, expressed Bayer's unwavering dedication to the Chinese market, marking the company's seventh consecutive year at the expo.

With a keen eye on innovation, Ambrogio conveyed his enthusiasm for unveiling cutting-edge technologies, particularly in the realm of radiology, at this year's CIIE. Reflecting on Bayer's history with the CIIE, Ambrogio highlighted the company's introduction of over 100 innovative products, the launch of eight "CIIE babies" — products launched at the expo — and the signing of about 30 contracts over the past six years.

This year, Bayer Radiology is showcasing its latest "CIIE baby", the Centargo computer tomography high-pressure injector, at their expansive 800-square-meter booth. The technology, already approved in China and pending approval in the United States, is designed to enhance the efficiency and precision of contrast media delivery during CT procedures.

The Centargo stands out with its "smart" features, enabling more efficient contrast media administration and addressing the high volume of CT scans conducted in China. Ambrogio emphasized the injector's significance as the first Class III piston-based system designed for multi-patient use in China, catering to the country's significant patient volume.

Reiterating Bayer's commitment to the Chinese market, Ambrogio said that China "will continue to be a strategic market for Bayer." He pointed to the company's investment of over 20 million yuan ($2.79 million) in a local manufacturing plant for diagnostic imaging medical devices in Beijing last year, aiming to achieve full localization of high-pressure injector production within the next three to five years.

Looking ahead, Ambrogio emphasized Bayer's strategic focus on fostering local co-creations with Chinese institutions and scientists. "We're having very good conversations in that regards where we can tap on the great science that is being produced in China," he said, highlighting potential areas of collaboration, including AI applications in imaging and diagnostics. Bayer recognizes the increasing demand placed on radiologists to evaluate a growing number of images, and the company actively supports the development and implementation of AI algorithms to streamline workflows and enhance diagnostic accuracy.

Ambrogio also underscored Bayer's broader commitment to addressing global challenges, reflected in its theme for this year's CIIE: "Health for All, Hunger for None".

Luo Bin contributed to this story.