Berlin, May 5, 2009 – Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Germany is starting Phase III with an innovative patch for female contraception that combines low dosed ethinylestradiol and gestodene. Approximately 3300 women will be enrolled into two global studies to evaluate the contraceptive reliability of the patch starting in May 2009. It is planned to submit the new patch for registration worldwide. First filing is expected in 2012.

“Bayer Schering Pharma is looking forward to progressing to Phase III trials with our novel patch. It will be the smallest, lowest dosed and the only transparent patch for female contraception on the market,” said Phil Smits, M.D., Head of Women’s Healthcare at Bayer Schering Pharma. “We are optimistic that these attributes will make it an attractive option for women seeking alternative routes of hormonal contraception.”

The patch will be applied once per week, i. e. three patches per cycle (for 21 days) and one week off. The simple handling will make the product convenient to use, and therefore, a good compliance from the user can be anticipated.

About Bayer HealthCare

The Bayer Group is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. Bayer HealthCare, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is one of the world’s leading, innovative companies in the healthcare and medical products industry and is based in Leverkusen, Germany. The company combines the global activities of the Animal Health, Bayer Schering Pharma, Consumer Care and Medical Care divisions. Bayer HealthCare’s aim is to discover and manufacture products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. Find more information at www.bayerhealthcare.com.

Bayer Schering Pharma is a worldwide leading specialty pharmaceutical company. Its research and business activities are focused on the following areas: Diagnostic Imaging, General Medicine, Specialty Medicine and Women's Healthcare. With innovative products, Bayer Schering Pharma aims for leading positions in specialized markets worldwide. Using new ideas, Bayer Schering Pharma aims to make a contribution to medical progress and strives to improve the quality of life. Find more information at www.bayerscheringpharma.de.

Forward-looking statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup 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 Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

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