Bayer HealthCare Committed to Growing Animal Health Business

SHAWNEE, Kan., May 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Bayer HealthCare LLC Animal Health division expanded their product portfolio and introduced seven products to the market as the company continues the integration process following the recent acquisition of Teva Animal Health Inc. based in St. Joseph, MO. Seven DVM^® dermatology products -- ChlorhexiDerm^® 4% Shampoo, Free Form™ Liquid, Malaseb^® Flush, OtiRinse^™, Relief^® Creme Rinse, and Relief^® Spray -- were reintroduced and are now available. In addition, Preva™ Medicated Wipes were launched to veterinarians.

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"Bayer HealthCare is committed to the seamless integration of products from our latest Animal Health acquisition into the U.S. portfolio," said Ian Spinks, President and General Manager, Bayer HealthCare's Animal Health division, North America. "The rapid introduction of the widely recognized and respected DVM brands shows how the acquisition fits well with our strategic goals to strengthen and broaden our range of animal care solutions for companion animals in the U.S. market. Applying the combined knowledge and industry expertise of our people in Shawnee, KS and new employees in St. Joseph, MO allows us to offer a more integrated approach to providing high quality dermatological and nutritional supplement products to pet owners for dogs and cats in the veterinary market."

More than 75 complementary products were added to the Bayer product portfolio that will enable a presence in most major therapeutic areas. Over the next 12 to 18 months, many more products from the DVM line, sold through the veterinary channel, will enter the market.

"Since the acquisition in January, our focus has been on remediating brands while maintaining quality, and re-introducing the most needed products back into the market," said David Van Brunt, VP Marketing, Companion Animal Products Bayer HealthCare, Animal Health division. "These new and re-launched DVM products demonstrate Bayer's commitment to the success of this integration and our continued commitment to help veterinarians provide quality healthcare solutions for companion animals."

About the DVM^® products

Seven DVM^® dermatology and supplement products were recently reintroduced or launched for the first time.

ChlorhexiDerm^® 4% Shampoo is a topical, easy on the skin, antimicrobial shampoo for use on dogs, cats and horses. This product contains chlorhexidine gluconate, an active ingredient that provides antimicrobial activity against host microorganisms. Repeated use of ChlorhexiDerm 4% Shampoo helps prevent microbial re-infection from fungi, yeast, viruses, and bacteria. Even though the shampoo is gentle, it still acts as an antiseptic through deep cleansing action that removes scales and crusts.

Free Form™ Liquid is a concentrated omega-3 fatty acid formulation that supports overall pet wellness. Growing evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids high in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) aid in the management of healthy skin and hair coat, as well as support joint health, normal kidney function, and immune, cognitive and cardiovascular health. Free Form Liquid has the same concentrated fish oil as in the popular Free Form Snip Tips. 

Malaseb^® Flush is a gentle, antimicrobial flush specifically formulated for skin conditions associated with infections responsive to miconazole nitrate and chlorhexidine gluconate on dogs, cats and horses. Malaseb Flush is a complement to the popular Malaseb Shampoo.

OtiRinse^™ is an ear cleanser for routine cleansing where an antiseptic drying agent is required.

Relief^® Family - Relief^® Spray and Relief^® Creme Rinse join Relief^® Shampoo for temporary relief of itching, flaking and irritation on dogs, cats and horses.

New to the DVM product portfolio, Preva™ Medicated Wipes, contain nisin – a naturally-derived antimicrobial used for skin conditions associated with bacterial infections or general cleansing and maintenance of skin and hair coat. The wipes are for daily use between medicated shampooing and other skin therapies and are ideal for cleaning interdigital areas, nail folds, armpit, neck and skin folds, anal area and facial folds. 

About Bayer HealthCare 
The Bayer Group is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, agriculture and high-tech materials. Bayer HealthCare, a subgroup of Bayer AG with annual sales of EUR 18.6 million (2012), 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, Consumer Care, Medical Care and Pharmaceuticals divisions. Bayer HealthCare's aim is to discover, develop, manufacture and market products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. Bayer HealthCare has a global workforce of 55,300 employees (Dec 31, 2012) and is represented in more than 100 countries. More information at www.healthcare.bayer.com. 

For more information call 800.633.3796.

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.

SOURCE Bayer HealthCare LLC