Bayer AG’s Dual‑Strike Momentum: FDA Endorsements Amid Legal Struggles
Bayer AG, the German‑based pharmaceutical giant, has secured a pivotal FDA approval for its oral lung‑cancer medication, Hyrnuo, and simultaneously gained EU clearance for its vasomotor‑symptom drug, Elinzanetant (marketed as Lynkuet). These regulatory victories arrive at a time when the company’s share price, sitting at €27.37 as of 17 November 2025, has been pressured by lingering litigation over glyphosate. Yet, the two approvals offer a clear narrative of renewed commercial vitality.
FDA Green Light for Hyrnuo
On 20 November 2025, Handelsblatt reported that Bayer received U.S. approval for Hyrnuo, a treatment targeting HER2‑mutated non‑small‑cell lung cancer. The same day, FiercePharma echoed the headline, noting that Bayer edged into Boehringer’s traditional turf. This approval is not merely a regulatory milestone; it opens a sizable U.S. market—one of the largest for oncology drugs—providing a revenue stream that could offset the drag of litigation costs. The FDA’s endorsement also signals confidence in Bayer’s clinical data, strengthening its pipeline credibility.
EU Approval for Elinzanetant (Lynkuet)
Earlier that day, 4Investors highlighted that Bayer had secured EU approval for Elinzanetant under the brand Lynkuet. This medication represents the first hormone‑free therapy for moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms caused by menopause or adjunctive endocrine breast‑cancer treatment. The approval diversifies Bayer’s portfolio beyond oncology, tapping into the sizable menopausal symptom market and reinforcing its position as a versatile pharmaceutical player.
Stock Reaction and Valuation Context
Despite the positive regulatory news, the market began the trading session with a slight dip to €27.06, a 1.13 % decline from the previous close. This modest negative start reflects the enduring impact of the glyphosate litigation, which continues to weigh on investor sentiment. Yet, Bayer’s market capitalization remains robust at €26.68 billion, underscoring the company’s scale and resilience.
Bayer’s Price‑to‑Earnings ratio sits at an extreme negative –135.24—indicating that the market currently discounts the company’s earnings prospects, perhaps due to the legal liabilities that still loom. However, the two new approvals suggest a potential shift: if Hyrnuo and Lynkuet reach commercial maturity, earnings could turn positive, potentially normalizing the P/E and lifting the share price.
Strategic Implications
Pipeline Strengthening: Hyrnuo and Lynkuet demonstrate Bayer’s continued investment in late‑stage oncology and endocrine therapies, respectively. The dual approvals validate the company’s research and development pipeline, a critical counterweight to its legacy litigation.
Market Expansion: With Hyrnuo entering the U.S. market, Bayer now competes directly with leading oncology firms, challenging the dominance of players like Boehringer and expanding its global footprint.
Revenue Diversification: Lynkuet opens a new therapeutic area—menopause‑related symptoms—potentially capturing a growing patient base that prefers non‑hormonal options.
Bottom Line
Bayer’s recent FDA and EU approvals are a decisive statement: the company is not merely surviving its legal battles; it is actively building a more robust, diversified product portfolio. While the stock’s immediate reaction remains tempered, the long‑term implications could realign investor perception, reduce the negative P/E, and elevate Bayer’s valuation in the years ahead. Investors and analysts alike should watch closely as these drugs move from regulatory approval into commercial reality, reshaping Bayer’s trajectory in the competitive pharmaceutical landscape.




