2006-03-30 A sparkling, classic remedy

Alka-Seltzer® celebrates its 75th birthday

Tablet has dissolved pain in effervescent bubbles since 1931

Leverkusen – Alka-Seltzer® – in North America in particular, this effervescent tablet, like Bayer Aspirin®, is an iconic brand among over-the-counter medicines. Alka-Seltzer® was launched in 1931, precisely 75 years ago. This sister product to the world-famous analgesic Aspirin® combats heartburn and cold-related pain.

In its country of birth, the United States, Alka-Seltzer®  remains one of the most well-known and popular analgesics to this day. It was developed by Miles Laboratories. A flu epidemic in 1928 gave the product its first opportunity to shine when Miles provided its staff with this mixture of acetylsalicylic acid and sodium bicarbonate. Thanks to its proven efficacy, Alka-Seltzer®  quickly established itself on the market following its launch in 1931. Miles Laboratories was taken over by Bayer AG in the late 1970s, which led to Alka-Seltzer®  becoming part of the product portfolio of Bayer HealthCare.

Alka-Seltzer®  classic is a drug product from the group of anti-flammatory substances. The active ingredient of this over-the-counter medicine is the tried and true substance acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). One tablet contains 324 milligrams ASA. ASA inhibits the formation of pain messenger substances called prostaglandins, thus reducing the elevated sensitivity of nerve endings. Within a short period of time, the patient’s condition has returned to normal. What is special about Alka-Seltzer®  is that the effervescent tablets are dissolved in water before being taken. This creates a carbonated solution that is extremely easily absorbed by the body. The medicines takes effect immediately and the symptoms are resolved straight away – unlike with tablets which, after being swallowed, only release the active substance once they reach the stomach. In addition, its antacid properties mean that it is particularly well tolerated. As a result, headache disappears, heartburn is suppressed, cough and runny nose become more bearable, and the patient begins to feel human again and can breathe easily.

In Germany, Alka-Seltzer®  is supported by numerous sister products: consumers can choose between Talcid® and Rennie®  to treat heartburn and a sensation of bloating, while those suffering from a cold would do well to turn to the most recent addition to the Aspirin®  family: Aspirin®  Complex effervescent granules.

About Bayer HealthCare AG
Bayer HealthCare, a subgroup of Bayer AG, is one of the world’s leading innovative companies in the health care and medical products industry. In 2005, the Bayer HealthCare subgroup generated sales amounting to some €9.4 billion. Bayer HealthCare employs approximately 33,800 staff worldwide.

The company combines the activities of the divisions Animal Health, Consumer Care, Diabetes Care, Diagnostics and Pharmaceuticals. The divisions Pharmaceuticals and Biological Products were combined effective January 1, 2006. The new Pharmaceuticals Division comprises the Oncology, Hematology/Cardiology, and Primary Care business units.

Our aim is to discover, develop, manufacture and market products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. Our products enhance well-being and quality of life by diagnosing, preventing and treating disease.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group 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 our public reports filed with the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (including our Form 20-F). The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.