Bayer opens life sciences “CoLaborator” in San Francisco

Bayer HealthCare has opened a new life sciences hub for early stage research companies, dubbed the “CoLaborator", in San Francisco’s Mission Bay.

The CoLaborator will support startups in establishing their research labs, with academic researchers spinning out new firms. In addition to lab facilities, they’ll also get access to the global expertise and equipment of Bayer’s research network.

“The CoLaborator seeks to address the need for new approaches to research partnerships that allow for a collaborative process with shared risks and rewards,” said Prof. Andreas Busch, member of the Bayer HealthCare Executive Committee and Head of Global Drug Discovery. “We are aiming to create something beyond the traditional incubator that truly fosters collaboration between Bayer scientists and these exciting young companies.”

The CoLaborator is looking for technology platforms, drug targets or drug candidates that align with Bayer’s research strategy.

Two biotech startups have already signed up as the CoLaborator's first tenants: Aronora Inc., which develops proprietary antithrombotic therapeutics, and ProLynx LLC, a technology platform dedicated to the development of linker systems enabling predictable and controllable half-life extension of drugs.

“The CoLaborator is an ideal venue for Aronora to pursue our goals and continue to grow,” said CEO Andras Gruber. “It’s an opportunity to work in close physical proximity to Bayer scientists and access to support in preclinical product development, manufacturing and other areas are of particular interest to our company.”

“The close proximity to scientists at Bayer and the University of California San Francisco provides a truly exciting collaborative environment for advancing and applying our technology,” said Daniel Santi, M.D., Ph.D., President and founder of ProLynx.