BRUNSWICK, GA - December 13, 2006 - Bayer HealthCare has given a donation of Cipro® with a wholesale value of more than US $25 million to MAP International.

The aid organization will distribute the critically needed antibiotic to clinics and hospitals in Africa and Latin America that are fighting on the front lines in the battle against diseases of poverty where there is little or no access to essential medicines.

"The successful and ambitious work of MAP is impressive," said Dr. Gunnar Riemann, Head of Bayer HealthCare's Pharmaceuticals Division, following the official signing of the agreement. "We are delighted to be able to contribute to their health programs with our donation."

MAP International President and CEO Michael J. Nyenhuis says the donation of this specific drug is particularly significant in MAP's work to save lives in impoverished communities.

"More than 20,000 people die each day in Africa from preventable diseases," said Mr. Nyenhuis. "By joining MAP in collaboration, Bayer will help us to save lives in areas of the world where there is little or no access to essential medicines like Cipro®. With many people earning less than the equivalent of US $1.00 a day, life-saving antibiotics are beyond their economic reach. Bayer is helping MAP to bridge this gap in poor countries."

Cipro® (ciprofloxacin) is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections. Cipro® tablets and suspension are used to treat pneumonia, bronchitis, some types of gonorrhea, bacterial diarrhea, typhoid fever, and bone, joint, skin, prostate, sinus and urinary tract infections.

About MAP International

MAP International headquartered in Brunswick, Georgia (USA), is one of the fifty largest non-profit organizations. Founded in 1954 as Medical Assistance Programs, MAP International today promotes the total health of impoverished people in over 115 countries. MAP distributes more than US $300 million in donated live-saving medicines and health supplies to over 100 countries annually.

Bayer HealthCare

Bayer HealthCare, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is one of the world's leading, innovative companies in the health care and medical products industry based in Leverkusen/Germany.

In 2005, the Bayer HealthCare subgroup generated sales amounting to some €9.4 billion. Bayer HealthCare employed 33,800 people world-wide in 2005.

The company combines the global activities of the divisions Animal Health, Consumer Care, Diabetes Care, Diagnostics and Pharmaceuticals. Since January 1, 2006, the new Pharmaceuticals Division consists of the former Biological Products and Pharmaceuticals Division and now comprises three business units: Hematology/Cardiology, Oncology and Primary Care.

Bayer HealthCare's aim is to discover and manufacture products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. The products enhance well-being and quality of life by diagnosing, preventing and treating diseases.

MAP International

MAP International

Founded in 1954 as Medical Assistance Programs, today MAP International, a top 50 non-profit, promotes the total health - physical, economic, social, emotional and spiritual health - of impoverished people in over 115 countries through the:

• Provision of essential medicines
• Promotion of community health
• Prevention and eradication of disease

MAP offers its services to all people, regardless of their religion, gender, race, nationality or ethic background. MAP's international programs help eliminate the causes of sickness and disease by providing free medicines, improving water supplies and knowledge about health threats like HIV/AIDS and establishing community directed health education and training. To maximize the number of lives we reach, MAP International works in partnership programs with over 300 organizations, agencies and medical missions around the world.

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