The article describes how Bayer was able to avoid a significant drop in sales following the expiration of patent protection ("patent cliff") for one of its key drugs in the US. It achieved this effect through secondary US patent applications that extended or extended the protection of its assets. At the same time, the text states that such a strategy cannot be relied on in the long term in the case of other approaching patent cliffs. Therefore, the article emphasizes the need for greater focus on the early stage of research and development (R&D) in order for the company to secure new innovative products in the future. He points out that Bayer's future ability to handle similar situations with a strategy of secondary patents is limited. The text focuses on the company's patent and innovation strategy, not on specific clinical results or drug efficacy data.