Bayer and Hologic, Inc., today announced an international partnership to deliver contrast-enhanced-mammography (CEM) solutions to improve the detection of breast cancer in multiple countries across Canada, the European and Asia Pacific regions.
CEM is an innovative highly sensitive and low-cost breast imaging modality which combines digital mammography with the administration of a contrast agent to support breast cancer diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.
The partnership brings together the companies' leading technologies (Hologic mammography gantries and Bayer CEM approved injection systems), which enable accurate administration of contrast media during a mammography examination. Bayer and Hologic aim to optimally support radiologists and their teams to effectively implement CEM seamlessly into a radiologist's workflow.
"Breast cancer is the world’s most common cancer, impacting millions of women worldwide," said Gerd Krueger, President Radiology at Bayer. "Accurate and timely detection is crucial to improve patient outcomes and save patients' lives. Together with Hologic we will deliver a comprehensive solution to our customers and increase access to an emerging breast imaging modality which can help improve diagnostic accuracy as well as provide an alternative imaging option for many women."
"Over the past several years, we've seen an increased interest in contrast-enhanced mammography as an additional diagnostic modality. Our partnership with Bayer will enable clinicians around the world to offer CEM as part of the breast cancer diagnostic workflow," said Tanja Brycker, Vice President, Strategic Development, Breast and Skeletal Health and GYN solutions. "As one of the world leaders in mammography and women’s health, we are committed to enabling healthier lives, everywhere, every day. By increasing access to additional breast imaging technology to women across the globe, our international partnership with Bayer is a compelling example of that commitment in action."
About breast cancer and contrast-enhanced mammography
In 2020, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 685 000 deaths globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Breast cancer treatment can be very effective, especially when the disease is identified early. The value of CEM as an adjunct to mammography is affirmed by an increasing number of independent scientific publications. It is easy to perform in everyday clinical practice and can be used in various clinical settings, such as inconclusive findings in previous imaging procedures, or preoperative assessment of the extent of the disease. It can also be a helpful tool when MRI is unavailable or contraindicated.Public health education about early detection and imaging options is a key factor in fighting breast cancer. Bayer is committed to driving information about this important topic.
About Radiology at Bayer
As a true life-science company with a heritage of over 100 years in radiology, Bayer is committed to providing excellence - from innovative products to high-quality services - to support efficient and optimized patient care. Bayer offers a leading portfolio of contrast media for computed tomography (CT), X-ray, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), along with devices for their precise administration, informatics solutions, and a medical imaging platform delivering access to applications, including those enabled by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Bayer's radiology products generated close to €2bn sales in 2022. Based on the company’s ambition to outperform the radiology market’s average annual growth rate of 5 percent by 2030, Bayer is highly committed to research and development, which includes leveraging AI and driving innovation in medical imaging. Each of these offerings provides effective tools to support radiologists in their mission to deliver treatment-critical answers and a clear direction - from diagnosis to care.
About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2022, the Group employed around 101,000 people and had sales of 50.7 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 6.2 billion euros.
About Hologic, Inc.
Hologic, Inc. is a global medical technology innovator primarily focused on improving women’s health and wellbeing through early detection and treatment. Its advancements include creation of the world’s first commercial 3D mammography system to fight breast cancer; leadership in testing for cervical cancer, sexually transmitted infections, respiratory illnesses and the virus that causes COVID-19; and minimally invasive surgical technologies for uterine fibroids and abnormal uterine bleeding. The company also champions women through the Hologic Global Women's Health Index, which provides a science-backed data roadmap for improving women's well-being, and Project Health Equality, which elevates awareness, research insights and access to quality care for underserved women.