In Conversation With Sandeep Verma: Bayer’s Innovations In Period Pain Relief, Fatigue Management, & Skincare

Bayer Consumer Health Division in India is revolutionising the healthcare landscape with innovative products designed to address critical health challenges. From empowering women with targeted solutions for period pain to addressing fatigue and dry skin issues through scientifically advanced formulations, Bayer is setting a new benchmark in self-care.

In an exclusive conversation with BW Healthcare World,  Sandeep Verma, Country Head for India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, shared insights into Bayer’s latest product innovations—Saridon Woman, Supradyn, and Bepanthen—and their impact on public health and wellness. Here are the excerpts from the interview:

Could you share the inspiration behind Saridon Woman? What led Bayer to develop a specific product for period pain? 

Saridon Woman was inspired by the unmet needs of women experiencing period pain—a common issue that impacts daily life and productivity. Despite the prevalence of menstrual discomfort, many women still rely on traditional remedies or general pain relief that doesn’t specifically address period pain. Our goal was to create a targeted solution that truly supports women’s unique experiences. Through extensive research and collaboration with healthcare professionals, we developed Saridon Woman to provide quick, effective, and lasting relief. This formulation combines nature and science, offering reliable pain relief while meeting high safety and efficacy standards. The launch reflects Bayer’s commitment to empowering women with innovative, self-care solutions that align with their modern, active lifestyles. Saridon Woman is a step forward in advancing women’s health and supports Bayer’s broader mission to improve health outcomes for all. 

With 63 per cent of young women facing social withdrawal due to period pain, how do you see Saridon Woman addressing this issue, and what impact do you anticipate in the Indian market? 

Saridon Woman is designed to provide women with fast, effective relief from period pain, helping them stay active and engaged in their daily lives. By addressing the specific needs of women facing menstrual discomfort, it enables women to maintain productivity without the need to rely only on traditional remedies. In the Indian market, where menstrual stigma often compounds challenges, Saridon Woman plays a dual role in promoting pain relief and encouraging open conversations around menstrual health. Our efforts extend beyond the product, as we aim to empower women with education and awareness through focused campaigns, fostering a shift towards normalizing period health discussions. This launch is a step forward in Bayer’s commitment to addressing women’s unique health needs, advancing our mission of delivering innovative, science-backed solutions that support well-being and promote empowerment across communities. 

The #NoPainPeriod campaign is a significant part of the Saridon Woman launch. How is Bayer planning to drive awareness and reduce stigma surrounding menstrual health through this campaign? 

The #NoPainPeriod campaign aims to normalize conversations about menstrual pain and reduce stigma by encouraging open dialogue and education. We’re leveraging digital platforms, influencer partnerships, and interactive content to reach and engage women across India. By sharing real stories and insights on managing period pain, the campaign creates a supportive community that empowers women to prioritize their health. Additionally, we’re collaborating with healthcare professionals to provide accurate information on menstrual health, helping to break down misconceptions. Through #NoPainPeriod, Bayer is committed to reshaping perceptions around period pain and enhancing access to effective relief. 

The Supradyn Fatigue Survey has revealed some concerning trends regarding fatigue among young adults in India. What do you think are the primary reasons for this growing fatigue problem? 

The Supradyn Fatigue Survey highlighted a pressing issue, with 80% of young adults experiencing significant fatigue. This trend likely stems from a combination of factors, including elevated stress levels, fast-paced lifestyles, sleep deprivation, and dietary gaps leading to nutritional deficiencies. These challenges affect not only physical health but also cognitive and emotional well-being. At Bayer, we believe that proper supplementation can play a critical role in addressing these deficiencies, helping young Indians build the strength and resilience they need to thrive in today’s demanding environment. Through Supradyn, we aim to support young adults in becoming stronger, smarter, and fitter, empowering them to lead healthier lives. 

How does Supradyn aim to bridge the nutrition gap, and what role does it play in improving the overall health of young adults in India? 

Supradyn addresses the nutrition gap in young adults by providing a comprehensive range of multivitamins with essential vitamins and minerals to support energy, immunity, and overall health. These supplements complement daily diets, ensuring young adults receive nutrients that are often lacking. Beyond supplementation, Supradyn promotes a holistic approach to wellness by encouraging balanced diets, regular physical activity, and good sleep practices to enhance overall well-being. 

Bepanthen has a strong global presence, being the No.1 medicated skincare brand. What prompted the decision to bring it to the Indian market now? 

Launching Bepanthen in the Indian market reflects our dedication to meeting a crucial skincare need. Our recent Benpathen Dry Skin survey with IPSOS found that 1 in 2 individuals in India experience dry skin issues, revealing a significant gap in effective solutions. Given Bepanthen’s established reputation as the world’s No. 1 medicated skincare brand, we recognized a unique opportunity to introduce its trusted formulations to Indian consumers. Our goal is to ensure that we provide not just effective relief for dry skin but also promote overall skin health, enabling individuals to feel confident in their skin every day. 

How does Bepanthen cater to the unique skincare challenges faced by Indian consumers, particularly with conditions like eczema and sensitive skin? 

Bepanthen is specifically designed to address the unique skincare challenges faced by Indian consumers. Our formulations target common issues such as dry skin, eczema, and sensitivity. Recent survey data shows that 47 per cent of the general population in India suffers from dry skin. Each product is dermatologist-tested in India, ensuring safety and effectiveness for local users. We also consider India's diverse climatic conditions in our product development, making them suitable for all customers. By focusing on these specific needs, Bepanthen aims to provide reliable solutions that promote healthier skin for everyone. 

Could you elaborate on the recent survey conducted for Dry Skin issues by Bepanthen and how does it tie into Bepanthen's launch in India?

After its global success and before launching Bepanthen in India, we conducted a survey on dry skin issues. This survey was conducted on dermatologists in India to understand the issues related to dry skin specially in India. What was brought to our notice, was appalling, the survey reveal that dry skin affects 1 in 2 people and 82% of surveyed dermatologists state that patients feel anxious about going out in public, for the fear of their skin being exposed. Through the survey, we also found out that 88% of dermatologists link skin flare-ups to environmental factors, highlighting the need for specialized skincare solutions. Hence, we decided to launch Bepanthen, World’s no.1 skincare brand in India so that we can help Indians be confident in their skin. 

What is Bayer’s broader strategy for introducing innovative healthcare products in India, and how do you ensure they resonate with local consumer needs? 

Bayer’s strategy for introducing innovative healthcare products in India is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the local context and a commitment to addressing the diverse needs of our population. We prioritize research and development initiatives focused on diseases prevalent in India, ensuring that our products are both innovative and relevant to the specific health challenges faced by consumers. Recognizing the country’s economic diversity, we are dedicated to developing affordable healthcare solutions. Our pricing strategy reflects our commitment of providing good quality at affordable prices.

Additionally, we believe in empowering consumers through education. Our awareness campaigns are tailored to resonate culturally and linguistically with various communities, ensuring individuals understand health issues and the benefits of our products. By embracing digital platforms, we connect directly with consumers to gather feedback and adapt our offerings, staying aligned with evolving needs. Through these strategies, Bayer aims to introduce innovative healthcare products while building trust and fostering a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the communities we serve in India. 

How is Bayer incorporating both nature and science in its product innovation process, and what can we expect in terms of future product launches in India? 

Bayer is dedicated to integrating both nature and science in its product innovation process. We believe that leveraging the strengths of both enables us to create effective, safe, and sustainable healthcare and selfcare solutions. Our research and development teams work closely with scientists and herbalists to harness the natural properties of botanicals while ensuring rigorous scientific validation. This dual approach allows us to formulate products that meet consumer needs while adhering to high safety and efficacy standards. Looking ahead, we plan to launch products that exemplify this commitment, focusing on areas such as skin health, nutrition, and women's health. Our aim is to introduce solutions that address prevalent health issues in India, guided by consumer insights and the latest scientific advancements. This strategy ensures we continually evolve our offerings to resonate with the diverse needs of Indian consumers. 

Can you share Bayer’s vision for public health and wellness in India, particularly in addressing common health concerns like pain management, fatigue, and skincare? 

Bayer Consumer Health’s vision for public health and wellness in India focuses on a holistic approach, addressing common health concerns, such as pain management, fatigue, and skincare, through multi-faceted solutions. Guided by our principle of "Health for All, Hunger for None," we strive to create a world where health and nutrition is accessible to everyone, empowering individuals and benefiting the planet. Our mission is to reach 100 million households, and our new launches are significant steps toward this goal. These innovations enhance our brand portfolio while reinforcing our commitment to bridging healthcare and self-care. By providing effective solutions, we empower individuals to manage their health independently and enhance their overall well-being. We believe that accessible self-care products will play a vital role in improving the health of people across India. 

Arya Rakshita

BW Reporters Trainee Correspondent