Bayer’s plot to evolve beyond ‘the aspirin company’ in the eyes of Americans

The German drug giant Bayer spends more than $3 billion a year trying to invent new medicines, giving it an enviable reputation abroad. But when research chief Dr. Joerg Moeller goes through customs in the U.S., mentioning his employer brings a predictable response: “Ah, the aspirin company!”

Moeller stopped by STAT to explain how the storied company is working to boost its profile, an effort that includes investing in immuno-oncology, researching new cardiovascular therapies, and diving into novel approaches to cancer, all in hopes of finding treatments that might move the needle.

“What is meaningful is not decided by us,” Moeller said. “It’s decided by payers, patients, and prescribers. You may actually get a drug approved, only to find that you don’t actually get any prescriptions.”

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