Bayer AG has entered a global licensing and collaboration agreement with Soufflé Therapeutics to co-develop a small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy aimed at a specific form of dilated cardiomyopathy. Under the terms of the deal, Bayer will provide research funding of up to €100 million over five years, while Soufflé retains rights to novel lipid nanoparticle delivery platforms. The program targets a genetic mutation affecting approximately 10,000 patients in Europe and North America, with preclinical studies showing a 70% reduction in pathological biomarker expression in rodent models.

In a separate deal, Bayer has signed a multi-year collaboration with an AI-focused biotech firm to integrate machine learning algorithms into its small-molecule discovery process. The agreement includes a €50 million upfront payment and potential milestone payments totaling €250 million. Bayer scientists will have access to the partner’s generative chemistry platform, which has demonstrated the ability to reduce lead optimization timelines by up to 40% in pilot projects across oncology and metabolic disease targets.

Bayer’s R&D pipeline now includes six genetic medicine candidates, up from four at the start of the year, following the siRNA initiative and two earlier RNA-editing collaborations. Management projects that the combined programs could contribute an additional €500 million in annual peak sales by 2030. The company has allocated 15% of its 2026 R&D budget, approximately €1.2 billion, to next-generation modalities, underscoring its commitment to diversify beyond traditional small molecules and biologics.