The companies also committed to a co-marketing agreement for future promotion of Schering-Plough’s cardiovascular product, Zetia, in Japan. In addition, Bayer HealthCare will build up a new U.S.-based global oncology business unit and refocus its U.S. organization on high-profit specialty and biotech products to form Bayer HealthCare’s Specialty Pharmaceuticals business.
Bayer estimates that approximately 1,800 U.S.-based Bayer primary care sales and marketing positions will be impacted, either through transfer to Schering-Plough or through staff reductions.
Bayer’s drug products will remain the property and legal responsibility of Bayer and continue to be sold under the Bayer brand names. The agreement covers only those Bayer products already approved, not those in development.
