Schering AG and Stanford University to Cooperate in the Field of Molecular Imaging
November 28 2006 - 2:45AM
PR Newswire (US)
BERLIN, November 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Schering AG, Germany
(FSE: SCH), majority-owned by the Bayer Group, and Stanford
University, California, USA have started a joint research program
to develop novel molecular imaging agents for the diagnosis and
follow-up of cancer. Specifically, the cooperation will focus on
the identification of novel positron emission tomography (PET)
tracers for tumor imaging. Under the terms of the agreement,
Schering will have the option to assume exclusive rights for the
development and commercialization of such tracers. "This research
cooperation will further strengthen our commitment to the exciting
and fast growing field of molecular imaging and we are proud to
collaborate with Stanford University, one of the leading
institutions in this field," said Dr. Hans Maier, Head of Schering
AG's Global Business Unit Diagnostic Imaging. "With our strong
network of academic and industrial partners worldwide, we aim to
provide innovative options for the early and accurate detection and
follow-up of cancer diseases - for the benefit of the patient." "We
are particularly pleased to establish this research collaboration
with Schering AG given their track record as a global pioneer in
the development of diagnostic imaging agents," said Prof. Sam
Gambhir from the James H. Clark Center at Stanford University and
Director of the Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford. "This
collaboration will help to develop more specific diagnostics which
are needed to identify the most effective treatment for an
individual patient." Molecular imaging is a novel method of
diagnosing early pathological changes in the body at the molecular
level, even before they can be diagnosed using other imaging
procedures. This should allow both the very early and precise
detection and characterization of cancer and other diseases, e.g.
of the central nervous system. Schering has already established
several research collaborations in the field of molecular imaging.
Collaboration partners include Avid Radiopharmaceuticals Inc.,
Philadelphia, PA., for the development of novel diagnostic imaging
agents for Alzheimer's disease, as well as the Swiss Federal
Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich in Switzerland in the field of
PET. About Schering AG Schering AG is a research-based
pharmaceutical company. Its activities are focused on four business
areas: Gynecology & Andrology, Oncology, Diagnostic Imaging as
well as Specialized Therapeutics for disabling diseases. As a
global player with innovative products, Schering AG aims for
leading positions in specialized markets worldwide. With in-house
R&D and supported by an excellent global network of external
partners, Schering AG is securing a promising product pipeline.
Using new ideas, Schering AG aims to make a recognized contribution
to medical progress and strives to improve the quality of life:
making medicine work It is planned that Schering AG will be renamed
Bayer Schering Pharma Aktiengesellschaft. A corresponding
resolution was passed at the Extraordinary General Meeting of
Schering AG on September 13, 2006. Until the name change has been
registered in the commercial register, the company will continue to
operate under the name Schering AG. According to the resolution of
the General Meeting, the Executive Board will not file an
application for registration before December 1, 2006. About
Stanford University Located between San Francisco and San Jose in
the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford University is recognized as
one of the world's leading research and teaching institutions.
Excellence in research in the Schools of Medicine and Engineering
along with the School of Humanities and Sciences will continue to
help drive the field of molecular imaging. This press release has
been published by Corporate Communication of Schering AG, Berlin,
Germany. Your contacts at Schering AG: Media Relations: Oliver
Renner, T: +49-30-468 124 31, Pharma Communication: Dr. Florian
Boehle, T: +49-30-468 114 32, Investor Relations: Dr. Jost
Reinhard, T: +49-30-468 150 62, Find additional information at:
www.schering.de/eng Certain statements in this press release that
are neither reported financial results nor other historical
information are forward-looking statements, including but not
limited to, statements that are predictions of or indicate future
events, trends, plans or objectives. Undue reliance should not be
placed on such statements because, by their nature, they are
subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and can be
affected by other factors that could cause actual results and
Schering AG's plans and objectives to differ materially from those
expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Certain
factors that may cause such differences are discussed in our Form
20-F and Form 6-K reports filed with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission. Schering AG undertakes no obligation to update
publicly or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether
to reflect new information or future events or circumstances or
otherwise. DATASOURCE: Schering Aktiengesellschaft CONTACT: Your
contacts at Schering AG: Media Relations: Oliver Renner, T:
+49-30-468 124 31, ; Pharma Communication: Dr. Florian Boehle, T:
+49-30-468 114 32, ; Investor Relations: Dr. Jost Reinhard, T:
+49-30-468 150 62,
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