BNDES approves R$ 298 million for Althaia pharmaceutical R&D

The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) has approved two financing packages totaling R$ 298 million for the pharmaceutical company Althaia. These funds, provided through the BNDES Mais Inovação program, are intended to expand research and development (R&D) capabilities at the company’s Epicenter center in Atibaia, São Paulo.

A R$ 100 million portion is dedicated to radical innovation targeting unmet medical needs, such as obesity, metabolic disorders, and neurodegeneration. This initiative includes a partnership with the Brazilian Industrial Research and Innovation Company (Embrapii) and aims to secure the company’s first patents in these areas. Projects include using artificial intelligence to develop bioactive peptides for sarcopenia and creating probiotic formulations for gastrointestinal health.

A second financing of R$ 198 million will support the development of 31 medicines for human health. This includes 20 generic drugs intended for the Brazilian market for the first time, alongside 11 incremental innovation products. Target conditions include hypothyroidism, depression, ADHD, prostate hyperplasia, menopause, and epilepsy. The project is expected to create more than 35 new jobs at the R&D center.