Bayer Seeks Stronger Footing In Consumer Health After 2017 Stumble

Bayer consumer health sales fell 9.1% in Q4 and 2.9% for the year as competitive pressure in the US OTC market, especially from lower-price lines and brands sold on e-commerce sites, cut into sales of its Aleve analgesic and Claritin allergy lines. Heiko Schipper takes over as Bayer's consumer business chief and will lead the division in new initiatives to counter competition with increased marketing support for core brands.