Bayer Launches Centafore: New Imaging Core Lab to Enhance Clinical Trial Imaging and SaMD Development
Key Insights
Bayer has launched Centafore (search), an Imaging Contract Research Organization (iCRO) with over 25 years of experience supporting more than 200 clinical trials globally.
Centafore (search) offers comprehensive imaging services spanning from early research through Phase IV trials and Software as a Medical Device development across multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, cardiovascular, and CNS.
The new imaging solution provider leverages an extensive network of imaging professionals across 50+ countries, aiming to enhance trial outcomes and support informed decision-making in drug development.
Bayer has officially launched Centafore (search), its dedicated Imaging Core Lab Services brand, positioning the company's 25+ years of imaging expertise as a distinct solution for external customers in the clinical trial space. The announcement, made on May 22, 2025, marks Bayer's strategic expansion of its imaging capabilities beyond internal use to support pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, and digital health companies.
Centafore (search) emerges from Bayer's extensive experience supporting over 200 clinical trials globally. The imaging contract research organization (iCRO) will provide end-to-end services spanning the entire imaging study cycle from concept to completion, supporting studies from early research through Phase IV trials and Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) development.
"Centafore (search) represents a significant leap forward in our commitment to enhancing the landscape of clinical trial imaging and advancing the development of new medicines and healthcare solutions," said Nelson Ambrogio, President of Radiology at Bayer. "By leveraging our extensive experience and expertise, we are dedicated to providing our customers with high quality imaging services that meet their specific needs in clinical research."
Comprehensive Imaging Services Across Therapeutic Areas
Centafore (search)'s service portfolio includes technology and expertise for image management, processing, and interpretation. The organization aims to empower study sponsors with expert project management and facilitate advanced analyses of imaging data across diverse therapeutic areas, including:
- Oncology
- Cardiovascular
- Central Nervous System (CNS)
- Dermatology
- Women's health
- Pediatrics
- Digital health
With an extensive network that includes board-certified radiologists and other imaging professionals, Centafore (search) enables customers to effectively manage studies across more than 50 countries, ensuring global reach and standardized imaging protocols.
Industry Collaborations and Future Outlook
Centafore (search) is already establishing partnerships within the healthcare ecosystem. The company is collaborating with organizations such as OBIO (search)® and Luxsonic Technologies (search) to leverage clinical imaging as a critical tool for improving decision-making in clinical trials and software as a medical device development.
The imaging services were first presented at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2024, and Bayer will showcase Centafore (search), its services, and technology at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago from May 30 to June 3 (Booth #24152).
Strengthening Bayer's Radiology Portfolio
The launch of Centafore (search) aligns with Bayer's century-long commitment to diagnostic imaging innovation. The company's radiology portfolio includes contrast agents and devices for precise administration across multiple imaging modalities, including computed tomography (CT), X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET).
Bayer's radiology products generated €2.1 billion in global sales in 2024, underscoring the strategic importance of this business segment. The company's comprehensive offerings also include informatics solutions and a curated marketplace with digital and artificial intelligence (AI) enabled applications.
"Through Centafore (search), we aim to enhance the reliability of trial outcomes and support informed decision-making in the development of investigational medicines, ultimately benefiting patients and improving their quality of care," Ambrogio added.
The establishment of Centafore (search) as a distinct brand represents Bayer's strategic response to the growing importance of advanced imaging in clinical trials and medical device development, positioning the company to capitalize on its extensive expertise while supporting innovation across the healthcare industry.