New clinical guidelines: -- Iberogast™ recommended for the treatment of functional dyspepsia -- Rome Foundation recognizes Bayer’s herbal medicine and provides guidance on the diagnosis and management of functional gastrointestinal disorders

Leverkusen, September 26, 2016- Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) impact one out of three people worldwide, causing debilitating symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps, fullness, bloating, and nausea.(1)The Rome Foundation, an independent, international nonprofit organization that provides support for activities designed to create scientific data and educational information to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of FGIDs, recently published its updated criteria for diagnosis and management of functional gastrointestinal disorders. In its Rome IV guidelines, renowned gastrointestinal experts recommended Bayer's Iberogast™ - referenced with its scientific name STW 5 - for the clinical management of functional dyspepsia, a prevalent FGID.(2)

Functional Dyspepsia is a chronic disorder of sensation and movement in the upper digestive tract and arises when the stomach does not function properly. It is a condition that can be caused by a lack of movement or increased tension (tone) of the stomach, triggered by a hectic lifestyle, psychological pressure, anxiety or stress. Dr. Bettina Vinson, Medical Affairs and Clinical Research Manager Phytomedicine, Bayer Consumer Health division, said: 'For over 55 years, those who suffer from functional gastrointestinal disorders have turned to Iberogast™ as a natural, proven source of relief for both, intermittent and chronic gastrointestinal pain. We are pleased the Rome Foundation's new criteria recognize the role Iberogast™ plays in relieving the symptoms of functional dyspepsia.'

For nearly two decades, the Rome diagnostic criteria have been considered the gold standard for defining FGIDs by both, gastrointestinal clinicians and researchers. Previously updated in 2006, the newly released criteria reflect the latest scientific research and provide updated recommendations for defining, diagnosing, and treating gastrointestinal disorders.(3)The Rome criteria are developed by teams of the top and most influential experts and are expected to shape research on how patients are diagnosed and treated for the next decade.

Iberogast™ has been extensively studied for the indication of Functional Dyspepsia. Moreover, it is one of the only over-the counter drugs registered for the treatment of both functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome, another common FGID. In addition to its recent recognition by the Rome Foundation, it is the only herbal therapeutic agent that the committee of the DGVS (German Society for Digestive and Metabolic Diseases) includes in its guidelines for both indications.

About Iberogast™
Iberogast™ is a clinical proven natural remedy that provides effective relief from multiple digestive disorders. Its unique formula consists of nine medicinal herbs including iberis amara (bitter candytuft) that work together and complement one another so that they can relieve digestive symptoms fast. For adults, Iberogast™ can be taken easily by simply adding 20 drops to a small glass of water or other liquid up to three times a day before or during a meal. The efficacy and safety of Iberogast™ has been demonstrated by clinical trials including double-blind, randomized studies and meta-analyses with more than 7,000 people.

About the Rome Foundation
For information about the Rome Foundation, please follow this link:http://theromefoundation.org/

Bayer: Science For A Better Life

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the Life Science fields of health care and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time, the Group aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen. In fiscal 2015, the Group employed around 117,000 people and had sales of EUR 46.3 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 2.6 billion, R&D expenses to EUR 4.3 billion. These figures include those for the high-tech polymers business, which was floated on the stock market as an independent company named Covestro on October 6, 2015. For more information, go towww.bayer.com.

(1) Common functional gastrointestinal disorders: nonulcer dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome, Lee OY, Schmulson M, Mayer et al., Clin Cornerstone, 1999; 1(5):57-71.
(2) Gastroduodenal Disorders, Stanghellini, Vincenzo et al., Gastroenterology, 2016; 150(6): 1380-1392.
(3) Rome IV, FAQs [accessed August 15 2016].http://theromefoundation.org/rome-iv/rome-iv-faqs/

For more information, go towww.bayer.com.

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