Bayer and Vanderbilt University Medical Center Launch Major Collaboration to Advance Cardiovascular and Kidney Disease Therapies

BERLIN & NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bayer and Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) have announced a new strategic five-year collaboration aimed at accelerating the development of innovative treatments in cardiovascular and kidney diseases, two areas with significant unmet medical needs. This agreement will combine Bayer’s global pharmaceutical expertise with Vanderbilt’s deep research and clinical knowledge to drive data-informed drug discovery and development.

Overview of the Collaboration

The newly formed collaboration between Bayer and VUMC is designed to leverage cutting-edge scientific data and real-world evidence to speed the translation of research insights into potential therapeutic candidates. The partnership will span all therapeutic indications currently pursued by Bayer, with an initial focus on cardiovascular and kidney diseases — conditions that affect millions of patients worldwide and remain a high priority for medical innovation.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bayer will use VUMC’s extensive BioVU database, which includes DNA and plasma datasets, to identify promising biological targets and generate actionable insights. By integrating these data resources with Bayer’s drug discovery and translational sciences expertise, the collaboration hopes to accelerate the progression of potential treatment candidates from early discovery to Investigational New Drug (IND) application readiness.

Bayer’s Strategic Role in Drug Discovery

Bayer brings decades of experience in pharmaceutical research and drug development to the collaboration. The company is focused on transforming its cardiovascular treatment portfolio through precision medicine approaches, with the goal of addressing gaps in current therapies and improving patient outcomes. Bayer’s portfolio already includes multiple innovative compounds in preclinical and clinical stages that aim to target complex disease processes in the heart and kidneys.

In this partnership, Bayer’s role will include advancing target identification, applying translational science methods, and contributing to the design of data-driven development strategies that shorten timelines to clinical testing. By working with Vanderbilt’s scientific teams, Bayer seeks to harness complementary strengths that may lead to breakthroughs more efficiently than through independent efforts.

VUMC’s Contribution and Capabilities

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is a leading academic health system headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, known for its extensive research infrastructure and clinical excellence. VUMC supports millions of patient visits yearly, provides advanced medical care across numerous specialties, and ranks among the top U.S. institutions in federal research funding — particularly in biomedical research.

For this collaboration, VUMC will contribute its specialized datasets and research expertise, especially its BioVU resource, which houses a large collection of genetic and clinical information. This data is essential for identifying novel disease targets and understanding complex biological mechanisms underlying cardiovascular and kidney disorders. VUMC’s faculty and researchers will work closely with Bayer to help translate research findings into drug discovery and development progress.

Shared Vision and Goals

According to company representatives, this joint effort reflects a shared vision to push the boundaries of precision medicine through partnerships that combine industry innovation with academic research leadership. Juergen Eckhardt, M.D., Head of Business Development and Licensing at Bayer Pharmaceuticals emphasized the value of real-world data and collaborative science in bringing new treatments to patients faster.

Similarly, VUMC leadership expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration’s potential to translate Vanderbilt’s research into real clinical advances. The partnership is expected to create new opportunities for scientific discovery and contribute meaningful progress in areas where current treatment options are limited.

About Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is a comprehensive academic health system that provides patient care, innovative research, and training for future health professionals. With a large workforce and numerous clinical facilities, VUMC serves as a research and care hub across Tennessee and nationally recognized for its contributions to medical science.

About Bayer’s Commitment to Cardiovascular and Kidney Diseases

Bayer is committed to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges of our time, including cardiovascular and kidney diseases. The company’s approach to research and development prioritizes targets and pathways with the greatest potential impact on disease outcomes. Bayer continues to invest in innovative therapies that could change how these conditions are treated, supporting its goal to deliver precision medicine solutions for patients in need.

Looking Ahead

The five-year collaboration sets the stage for advances that could reshape therapeutic approaches to cardiovascular and kidney diseases. With shared expertise, robust data analytics, and a strong commitment to innovation, Bayer and VUMC are poised to contribute new insights and potential treatments that benefit patients globally.

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