Bayer HealthCare launches CoLaborator project

Bayer HealthCare has announced the launch of its new CoLaborator business support scheme at its San Francisco Mission Bay site.

The company has opened dedicated laboratory space that will be used to help start-up businesses in establishing their research labs, with academic researchers spinning out new firms.

Start-ups will be able to access the global expertise and equipment of Bayer's research network, in exchange for giving Bayer preferred access to partner with them in future.

The CoLaborator life sciences hub will work with technology platforms, drug targets or drug candidates that are consistent with Bayer's research strategy.

Professor Andreas Busch, a member of the Bayer HealthCare executive committee and head of global drug discovery, said: "We are aiming to create something beyond the traditional incubator that truly fosters collaboration between Bayer scientists and these exciting young companies."

Last month, the company announced that its imaging agent Gadovist 1.0 has been granted a European label extension, allowing it to be used in a wider range of specifications.